BISON SURGE LATE BUT LOSE TO KALAMAZOO
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Bloomington, Ill. – The Bloomington Bison scored twice in the final six minutes but lost to the Kalamazoo Wings by a 3-2 score on Saturday night at Grossinger Motors Arena.
5:32 into the first period, Kalamazoo opened the scoresheet with a goal from Ben Berard. Quinn Preston assisted on Berard’s tenth tally of the season. Following an infraction by Maxim Barbashev at 16:58, the Wings added to their lead with a Max Humitz goal on the powerplay for his seventh of the season. Berard and Jon Martin assisted on the goal. The Bison were outshot by a 9-5 margin in the first frame.
The second frame saw a defensive battle as neither side put a goal on the scoresheet. Kalamazoo continued to apply pressure as the Bison were outshot 12-7.
8:28 into the final frame, Zach Okabe extended the Wings lead to 3-0 with his seventh of the year from Phil Beaulieu and Berard. With 5:58 remaining, Brett Budgell ripped a shot from the slot to record his seventh goal on the season. The goal was unassisted. With 18 seconds remaining and the goaltender pulled for the extra attacker, Eddie Matsushima deflected a Blake McLaughlin shot to bring the game to a one-goal deficit. Carter Berger also assisted Matsushima’s tenth goal of the season. That was the game’s final tally as the Bison suffered a 3-2 loss.
Hugo Ollas allowed three goals on 30 shots as his record fell to 2-7-1. Ty Young stopped 22 of 24 shots, improving his record to 4-2-0. The Bison were outshot 30-24 and went 0-for-4 on the powerplay. Bloomington’s penalty kill allowed two goals in a single game for the first time this season, going 2-for-4.
Tomorrow, the Bison play at 3 p.m. at Grossinger Motors Arena, featuring Sunday Family Fun Day, where KIDS EAT FREE with a voucher for a hot dog, chips, soda, and cookie. Following the final horn, all fans are welcome to join the Bison players for a post-game skate and autograph session. 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.
