OLLAS BACKSTOPS BISON TO 4-1 WIN SATURDAY
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Bloomington, IL – Hugo Ollas turned aside 27 shots as the Bloomington Bison defeated the Iowa Heartlanders by a 4-1 score on Saturday night at Grossinger Motors Arena.
The Bison could convert on the power play to open the scoring in a penalty-filled first period. Bison defenseman Carter Berger capitalized at 13:39, giving the Bison a 1-0 lead. Connor Lockhart and Ollas assisted his first professional goal. Lockhart also closed the period by engaging in a fight with Will Calverley.
A three-goal second period elevated the Bison to victory. At 5:22, Jake Murray and Connor Federkow dropped the gloves to receive fighting majors. Moments later, Chongmin Lee took advantage of another power play, extending the lead. Dalton Duhart and Ryan Siedem assisted Lee’s third of the season. Sam Sternschein continued the scoring punch at 11:18 with a goal on the rush. Brett Budgell and Bryce Montgomery assisted his first of the season. Eddie Matsushima scored the period’s final goal on a breakaway to give the Bison a 4-0 lead. Duhart and Lee assisted on Matsushima’s fifth goal of the season. The period closed with the third fight of the game between Jackson Stewart and Louka Henault. Stewart landed several punches to bring Henault to the ice.
The Heartlanders controlled the shots in the third period by a 12-4 margin over the Bison. At 18:21, Heartlanders’ forward Nico Blachman scored his first of the season to finalize the scoring. The unassisted goal hit off Ollas’ skate and broke the shutout bid.
Kyle McClellan manned the net for Iowa with 20 saves on 24 shots. The Bison completed five penalty kills and scored twice on seven power plays. The Heartlanders outshot the Bison 28-24.
The Bison return to Grossinger Motors Arena on Wednesday at 7 p.m. for 309 Night, featuring $3 beers, hot dogs and soda, $0 popcorn, and a $9 specialty t-shirt. Single-game pricing starts 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.
