RiverKings "Power" Past Thunder
Published on February 15, 2014 under SPHL (SPHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release
BLOOMINGTON - The Bloomington Thunder surrendered a late power play goal and dropped a hard-fought battle to the Mississippi RiverKings 4-2 on Saturday night at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.
The RiverKings scored first by finding a blocked shot in the crease, where it was slapped home by Patrick Schafer with 6:14 remaining in the opening period.
The Thunder tied the game with 8:36 left when Jason Pietrasiak cleaned up a poke check from Bobby Watson at the left circle and scored to put the game at 1-1.
The RiverKings took a 2-1 lead on a Mike Grace slap shot from the right circle on a 5-on-3 power play just 56 seconds into the third period. The Thunder evened the count at 2-2 with 11:38 left when Tyler Noseworthy deflected in a Reid MacLeod shot also assisted by Harry Mahesh. Mississippi gained a 3-2 advantage on a power play goal by Leo Thomas on a rebound with 3:03 showing on the regulation clock. Devin Mantha sealed the game with an empty net goal with 2.8 seconds left.
Breton Lindoff suffered the loss with 26 saves while John Griggs took the win in his RiverKings debut with 24 stops. Each team was given five power plays with Mississippi converting two of their chances.
The Thunder conclude the weekend series with a match-up against the Fayetteville FireAntz with a 3:05 Sunday afternoon face-off at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Those 12 and under get in for only $5 for Kids Day and kids meals are $3, and fans of all ages can skate with the team after the game. For more information on the Thunder, call 309-434-2980 or visit www.bloomingtonthunder.com, Facebook and Twitter (BLMThunder).
Junior Blaze bounce back, Hoses win: The Bloomington Junior Blaze rebounded with a 5-3 victory over the visiting Alpena Street Cats in Midwest Junior Hockey League play on Saturday afternoon behind two goals and one assist each from Peter Carlin and Jorey Skelton. The Junior Blaze play their final home game of the season against the Street Cats at 11 a.m. Sunday at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. In the annual Guns and Hoses game between local police and firefighters, the Hoses scored twice in the third period to break a tie and earn a 5-3 victory behind two goals from Jake Thornton. The Hoses lead the series 4-3. The game plus special Thunder jerseys worn in their contest were part of an annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
SPHL Stories from February 15, 2014
- Rivermen Outduel FireAntz for 5-3 Victory - Peoria Rivermen
- Knoxville vanquishes Mississippi Surge in shootout, 2-1 (2-1 SO) - SPHL
- Louisiana Shrugs off Penalties, Upends Columbus, 7-4 - Columbus Cottonmouths
- Louisiana Shrugs off Penalties, Upends Columbus, 7-4 - Columbus Cottonmouths
- IceGators Thrash Cottonmouths 7-4 - Louisiana IceGators
- Griggs Wins Debut; RiverKings Take Third Straight - Mississippi RiverKings
- RiverKings "Power" Past Thunder - Bloomington Thunder
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