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Former Local Player Takes over as Junior Blaze Coach

September 11, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, fueled by Mid-Illini Credit Union, have hired a former local player who will stay on skates as the coach of the organization's junior team.

Zac Pearson played professionally for five seasons, including the 2009-10 season in Bloomington. He began as the Junior Blaze coach at the beginning of training camp on Monday, replacing Aaron Corbiere, who resigned on Friday. This is Pearson's first coaching position.

"We have quite a few guys in right now and we're in the process of bringing in more," Pearson said as the team prepares for its Oct. 5 opener in St. Ignace, Mich. "I'm talking with each player that we have as we make the transition and letting them know we're doing well."

The Junior Blaze are playing in the new Midwest Junior Hockey League, a Tier III circuit with 10 teams in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. Players are generally of high school age and retain amateur status. The league is designed to provide a high level of competition and exposure for players who are seeking college scholarships and/or professional contracts.

Pearson's career spanned 304 games, all at the AA level. After leaving Bloomington, he played in the Central Hockey League with the Quad City Mallards in 2010-11 and skated for the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees last season, recording 14 goals and 21 assists for 35 points in 55 games.

Pearson's wife is from Bloomington and he lives in the area. The former right wing says he's excited to make the transition from player to coach. "I think it's really going to kick in when the season starts and I'm not a player anymore," said the 28-year-old native of White Lake, Mich.

"But coaching is something I've always wanted to do and when an opportunity like this arises, you've got to take full advantage of it."

Most of the Junior Blaze home contests will be played before the Blaze's Central Hockey League games at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. The Blaze regular season begins on Friday, October 19 at 7:05 p.m. at home against the Rapid City Rush, with the Junior Blaze home opener preceding that contest at 3:30 p.m. More information on the Blaze and Junior Blaze can be found online at www.bloomingtonblaze.com and on Facebook and Twitter (BLMBlaze). Details on season and group tickets as well as sponsorships are available by calling the Blaze office at 309-434-2980.

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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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