FOUR-GOAL FIRST ELEVATES BISON TO VICTORY

By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison

Bloomington, IL – The Bloomington Bison set a team record for most goals scored in a period with a four-goal first against the Iowa Heartlanders. The Bison’s early lead helped them claim a 5-2 win.

The Bison didn’t waste time in the opening frame as Andrei Bakanov scored on a wrist shot at 5:11. His third of the season was assisted by Chongmin Lee and Eddie Matsushima. Continuing an action-packed frame, Bison forward Jackson Stewart and Heartlander’s forward Nico Blachman dropped the gloves at 6:08. At 9:51, Iowa faced a high-sticking penalty, giving the Bison their first power play of the night. Bloomington took advantage of this, with Blake McLaughlin scoring on a rebound from Carter Berger at the ten-minute mark. Lee also assisted on McLaughlin’s seventh goal of the season. The Bison continued to pour it on as Jake Murray scored his first of the season on a wrist shot from the top of the circle. Murray’s goal was assisted by Thomas Stewart, giving the Bison a 3-0 lead at 12:33. Iowa answered at 16:22 with Dakota Raabe’s sixth of the season, assisted by T.J. Walsh and Jules Boscq. However, the Bison responded as Jake Murray scored on the backhand at 18:30. Murray’s second of the game and the season was assisted by Matsushima and Lee, giving the Bison the lead by a 4-1 margin.

The second period saw many shots as Iowa continued to trail the Bison. Keeping momentum, the Bison extended their lead as Connor Lockhart scored on a one-timer in the slot. Jared Westcott and Bryce Montgomery assisted on Lockhart’s sixth of the year to give the Bison a 5-1 lead.

In a ten-penalty third period, the Bison and Heartlanders had early power play opportunities. Neither team was able to capitalize on the man advantage. At 13:43, Iowa closed the gap as Timmy Kent scored from Brandon Yeamans and Jack O’Brien. His first of the year finished the scoring with a 5-2 margin.

Yaniv Perets secured the win for the Bison, making 21 saves on 23 shots. Kyle McClellan manned the net for Iowa, making 17 saves. The Heartlanders outshot the Bison by a 23-22 margin. The Bison went 1-for-5 on the power play and successfully killed their two penalties.

The Bison return to Grossinger Motors Arena on Saturday, December 28 at 7 p.m. for Batman Night, featuring a specialty jersey and live auction following the game! Single-game seats are available starting as low as $20! Group pricing with benefits and suite options are also available. Visit bloomingtonbisonhockey.com or call (309) 965-HERD for more information.

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