BISON COLLECT POINT IN SHOOTOUT AFFAIR
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Toledo, Ohio – Connor Lockhart scored in the final minute of the third period to help the Bloomington Bison collect one point in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Toledo Walleye on Saturday night at Huntington Center.
Neither team scored in the opening frame, with Toledo outshooting the Bison 13-9.
The Bison opened the scoring 6:04 into the second period with a power play goal from Josh Boyer. His first of the season was scored on a rebound from Blake McLaughlin. Lockhart collected the secondary assist. Thirty-nine seconds later, Toledo tied the game with a goal from Griffin Ness. Darian Pilon and Grant Gabriele helped his tenth of the season. Later in the period, Dalton Messina scored to give the Walleye the first lead of the night. His second of the year was scored at 11:11 by Casey Dornbach and Ness. The goal carried the Walleye with a 2-1 lead heading into the third period.
Lockhart evened the game 5:05 into the third stanza with a wrist shot at the hash marks. Jared Westcott assisted his fourth of the season. Nearly three minutes later, McLaughlin was whistled for holding, sending out one of the league’s best power play units. Toledo converted on the man advantage with a goal from Tyler Spezia. His twelfth of the season came from Brandon Hawkins and Trenton Bliss at 8:24. With the goaltender pulled for the extra attacker; the Bison converted to tie the game with 57 seconds remaining. Lockhart scored on a redirect to force overtime. Eddie Matsushima and Carter Berger assisted with his fifth of the year. Bloomington outshot Toledo 11-5 in the last period of regulation.
The overtime saw great thrills and scoring chances but no goals that moved the game to a shootout. Mitchell Lewandowski sealed the Toledo victory in the shootout’s third round with a goal beating Hugo Ollas.
Ollas made 32 saves on 35 shots, suffering the loss. Jan Bednar stopped 34 shots and two in the shootout to collect the win. The Bison outshot the Walleye 37-36 and went 1-for-2 on the powerplay while allowing a goal on the only penalty kill.
The Bison return home for ‘It’s an Elf Christmas’ on Friday, December 13, at Grossinger Motors Arena. The team will wear elf specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off following the game. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Bloomington Youth Hockey. The game features elf-themed promotions, an elf photo booth on the concourse, and Santa on the concourse to take photos and take wish lists.
The Holiday Hat Trick is available now for $69. The pack features a ticket to January’s Teddy Bear Toss, Batman Night, and Star Wars Night. Also included is a Violent Gentleman Winter Beanie Hat. Visit bloomingtonbisonhockey.com or call (309) 965-HERD for more information.
