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Generals split weekend roadtrip

October 31, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Flint Generals News Release


FLINT, MI - The Flint Generals, proud members of the IHL, fell 3-2 at the hands of the Bloomington PrairieThunder Saturday night at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in front of many well dressed fans.

The opening faceoff was delayed by an issue with the glass behind the Flint net, seemingly setting the tone for the first period. Things were calm until 11:11 when, like many of the Generals games so far this season, the first real action of the matchup of the season between Flint and Bloomington was a scrum. Jamie Schaafsma slammed Bloomington's Russ Smith into the boards which lead to a scuffle between Schaafsma, Smith, and Flint's Tyler Willis. Schaafsma was assessed two minutes for boarding, Smith was given two minutes for roughing, and Willis took the extra two for Flint for roughing. At the 15:18 mark of the opener, former Flint General Zach Pearson put one past netminder Jean-Francois Labbe while Bloomington was on the power play.

Action was slow in the middle period, both teams often looking a bit sluggish. The best chance of the period was in favor of the Generals when John Ronan started out behind the PrairieThunder net, worked his way in front, spun around and was able to get off a backhanded shot that went just wide to the left of Paulo Colaiacovo. Earlier in the second, Labbe made an incredible pad save with his leg in the air while sprawled on the ice, keeping the game at 1-0 Bloomington.

The Gens did not start the final period as they had hoped, allowing a Jesse Dudas goal at 2:44 when the puck bounced off of Labbe's glove and went in five-hole. Craig McDonald and Zach Pearson got the assists on what would be the only even strength goal of the game. Just under a minute later at 3:38 with Flint on the power play, Tony Tuzzolino battled down in the corner getting the puck to Jamie Schaafsma who was all alone in front and the Generals got on the board. Bloomington's final goal and second on the power play, came at 7:59 off the stick of Craig McDonald, Jamie Carroll got the assist.

With desperation in their play, the Gens were able to draw a penalty against the PrairieThunder. Just six seconds into their man advantage opportunity Flint again pulled within one. Colaiacovo came out to play the puck but it jumped over his stick; Colaiacovo stumbled leaving the net open and Greg Bullock picked up the puck and made sure to finish, putting the puck in the open net.

For the sixth time in seven games this season, the Generals were outshot by their opponent, only getting 29 total shots. Making 36 saves on 39 shots, and coming up with big saves, Labbe gave the Generals a chance to win.

The Generals head back to Flint November 6th when they host the reigning two time Turner Cup Champion Fort Wayne Komets. The Generals are offering a special group rate for this same through November 5th. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are just $5 each for any seat in the house.

Flint heads to Dayton Saturday, Nov. 7th before welcoming Quad City to Perani Arena for a 4:00 game on Sunday, Nov. 8th. The Generals invite fans to stick around after the game against Dayton for the season's first Skate with the Generals. The Gens will play in their first week night game on Veterans Day Wednesday, November 11th when the Gems come to town for Military Night at Perani. There will be a ceremonial puck drop, on-ice tribute poetry reading and much more. For more information on the special group pricing and other ticket information for upcoming Flint Generals games, call 810-744-0222 or visit www.flintgenerals.com.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 31, 2009


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