GAME RECAP

Bloomington uses early goal to top Rapid City, 6-4

Grossinger Motors Arena Sat, Feb 16, 2013

The Bloomington Blaze beat Rapid City, 6-4, in a contest where the winning goal was scored in the first period but the game remained close throughout.

Bloomington took over the lead for good with a goal by Travis Granbois at 19:03 in the first period. Jon Booras assisted on the tally.

The Blaze got the win behind a great game by Dan Barczuk, who had two goals and one assist. Barczuk scored the first of his two goals at 7:31 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Bloomington. Matt Puntureri provided the assist. Barczuk's next tally made the score 5-3 Bloomington with 13:56 left in the third period. Jeremy Gates assisted on the tally.

Bloomington bested its season scoring average. This season, the Blaze average 3.7 goals per contest. Bloomington's offense was clicking better than usual and put 33 shots on goal during the game, better than the 18.1 shots per game it averages.

Bloomington additionally got points from Granbois, who also grabbed one goal and two assists, Jared Walker, who also had one goal and one assist, and Booras, who also registered two goals and one assist. More assists for Bloomington came via Brayden Metz, who had two.

Rapid City's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Bloomington power plays. With 33 shots on target during the contest, Rapid City exceeded the 25.7 shots it averages per game this year.

Rapid City was led by Jared Brown, who racked up one goal and two assists. Brown scored 3:38 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Rapid City. Dan Gendur provided the assist. Rapid City also got points from Scott Wray, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Gendur, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Winston Day Chief also scored for Rapid City. Other players who recorded assists for Rapid City were Jesse Schultz, who had one and Damian Surma, who had two.

Pier-Olivier Pelletier rejected 29 shots on goal for the Blaze. Bloomington incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors. Rapid City took out Tim Boron after he had made 15 saves and installed Danny Battochio in goal, where he finished with 12 saves and the loss. Rapid City incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.