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Bloomington Blaze Weekly

March 26, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, kick plans for the 2012-2013 season into high gear after concluding their inaugural season during the past week.

LAST WEEK:

Monday, March 19- Bloomington Blaze 5, Rapid City Rush 3

The teams traded goals for the first 40 minutes, but Jordy Trottier earned his second game-winning goal of the season on a rebound flurry midway through the third period, and Jon Booras sealed the win by intercepting a pass at the blue line and skating in for his team-leading 26th goal.

Tuesday, March 20- Rapid City Rush 4, Bloomington Blaze 0

The Blaze finished the season series against the Rush at 2-3-0 as CHL Oakley Goaltender of the Week Tim Boron earned his third shutout of the season while stopping all 39 Blaze shots. The Rush scored three of the goals in the first period. The win clinched a playoff spot for the Rush.

Friday, March 23- Missouri Mavericks 5, Bloomington Blaze 3

The Blaze scored first on a rebound goal by Jordy Trottier just 1:59 into the game, and entered the first intermission tied 2-2 and the second intermission even at 3-3, but the Mavericks tallied twice in the final period to clinch their third straight playoff berth and the final post-season spot in the Turner Conference.

Saturday, March 24- Quad City Mallards 5, Bloomington Blaze 2

The Blaze finished 2-5-2 against their Illinois CHL counterparts. The Blaze tied the game late in the second period with goals by Jason Dale and Travis Granbois only 33 seconds apart, beginning only eight seconds after the Mallards captured a 2-0 lead, but the host Flock put the game out of reach in the final period, capped by an empty-net, shorthanded goal by Jeremy Boyer to complete his hat trick. The Blaze finished with a record of 24-35-7.

WHAT OFF-SEASON?: The Blaze staff is already planning activities and promotions for the 2012-2013 season, and several home dates have already been confirmed as the organization prepares for its second season in the Central Hockey League.

Several new benefits are being given to season ticket holders, and the prices of most season tickets have been reduced. Season tickets are now available by calling the Blaze office at 309-434-2980. Fans can keep up with the Blaze year-round at www.bloomingtonblaze.com, on Twitter (BLMBlaze) and on Facebook.

SHINE, EVEN WITH STREAKS: Jon Booras ended his team-best point streak at eight games on Tuesday night. The fan-and-player-selected Most Valuable Player earned at least a point in 10 of his last 13 games and finished as the team scoring leader with 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists). Booras led the team in March with nine goals and four assists for 13 points, followed by two goals and 11 assists from Brandon Richardson during the month, including a six-game point streak.

VLAD TO BE HERE: Vladimir Nikiforov finished second on the Blaze in scoring with 51 points (21 goals, 30 assists) while leading the team in helpers. Although he scored just one goal in the last six games, he picked an apple in each of the final two contests. The Long Island, New York resident recorded at least a point in 13 of his last 19 games.

FINDING A WAY TO PLAY: Several Blaze skaters appeared in nearly every game this season. Jason Dale and Mark Znutas played in every Blaze game except one. Craig Cescon and Ryan Palmer missed two contests, while Aaron Dawson was out of the lineup for only three games (two via suspension), Kyle Laughlin was scratched four times, Travis Granbois missed six games and Doug Krantz sat out seven times, including the final two games.

LIGHTING THE PILOT: The Blaze were 17-9-4 when scoring first, 13-3-3 when leading after one period and were one of only two teams not to lose in regulation (16-0-2) with a lead heading into the third period. The Fort Wayne Komets are the only other ones to stay unbeaten when leading after two periods. The Rapid City Rush have only lost in regulation once when holding a lead at the second intermission.

WALKING THE RED CARPET: Blaze end-of-season player awards were presented before the final home game on Fan Appreciation Night, featuring Jon Booras voted as Most Valuable Player. Zane Kalemba was named Most Improved Player, Vladimir Nikiforov earned Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year honors were given to Ryan Palmer, Jason Dale was named Favorite Player and Travis Granbois was tabbed as the Player's Player. The awards were determined by voting by fans, players and front-office staff.

BESTIES: The Blaze received four mentions in the CHL Best of the Best poll of league representatives. Aaron Dawson was voted third in the Best Defensive Defenseman category, the Blaze placed third in the Hardest Working Team voting and the playing surface at U.S. Cellular Coliseum was voted third in Best Ice Surface.

Blaze style has caught on with the Central Hockey League, as their sweaters were voted second in the Best Uniform balloting.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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