BISON RETURN HOME ON SATURDAY AFTER NINE-GAME ROAD TRIP
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Bloomington, Ill. – The Bloomington Bison return to Grossinger Motors Arena from a nine-game road trip on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Bison faceoff against the Cincinnati Cyclones on Saturday for Hockey is for Lovers Night with a special ticket promotion and a red-out theme.
The Sweetheart Package includes 2 tickets in the Ice Level Party Deck with all-inclusive food, soft drinks, domestic beers and seltzers. Also included in the package is a carnation flower, an embroidered Bison hat, and a sweetheart gift bag. The Sweetheart Package is available for only $116 and can be purchased by visiting bloomingtonbisonhockey.com or calling (309) 965-HERD.
All fans are encouraged to red-out the arena with red apparel on Saturday.
Fans who purchase a select red Bison t-shirt receive a select black Bison t-shirt for 50% off throughout the weekend.
The Bison square up against the Toledo Walleye for Sunday Family Fun Day and the birthday celebration of Bison mascot, Abe.
Kids 12-and-under 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.
Reggie Redbird (Illinois State), Tommy the Titan (Illinois Wesleyan University), Rocky (Peoria Rivermen), Corny (Normal CornBelters) and The Belted Kingfisher (University of Illinois) will be joining Abe for his birthday festivities.
An Abe Lincoln interpreter will be dropping the ceremonial faceoff, available for photos on the concourse, and participating in the ‘Shoot the Puck Challenge’ for $50,000.
The first 1,000 fans on Sunday will receive a free Bison top hat.
Prorated season tickets are still available starting at just $311 for center ice seating! Season Ticket Members receive a 15% merchandise discount and access to the Inaugural Season Meet & Greet with the Bison players! Visit bloomingtonbisonhockey.com or call (309) 965-HERD for more information.
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FORMER NEW YORK RANGERS FORWARD ADAM GRAVES IS TO ATTEND THE GAME ON FEBRUARY 22
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Bloomington, Ill. – Bloomington Bison President & CEO Larry McQueary announced today that former New York Ranger Adam Graves will highlight New York Rangers Night on February 22 with a 7 p.m. faceoff against the Indy Fuel.
Graves played 10 seasons for the Rangers and boasts a 17-year career with 1,152 NHL games played 616 points (329 goals, 287 assists), and 1,224 penalty minutes.
The forward scored 52 goals during the 1993-94 season, which set a Rangers’ franchise record for most goals in a season at the time. Graves was a member of two Stanley Cup-winning teams, the 1994 Rangers and the 1990 Edmonton Oilers. He was selected to the 1994 NHL All-Star Game and had his number 9 retired by the Rangers on February 3, 2009.
The Tecumseh, Ontario native won two NHL awards: the 1994 King Clancy Memorial Trophy (best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community) and the 2001 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey).
Graves currently works with the Rangers in Hockey & Business Operations.
Season Ticket Members and Legacy Weekend buyers will have early arena access at 5:30 p.m. for the VIP meet-and-greet with Graves.
In addition to dropping the ceremonial faceoff, Graves will be available to sign autographs outside of section 112 from the beginning of the first intermission through the second intermission (based on demand).
The Legacy Weekend Package is now available for purchase! The package includes one platinum center ice seat on February 21 (All-You-Can-Eat Night), one platinum center ice seat on February 22 (New York Rangers Night), a VIP meet-and-greet with Adam Graves, and a Bison hat for just $49! To purchase, click HERE, or call (309) 965-HERD.
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SINCLAIR AND MATSUSHIMA LEAD THE BISON TO VICTORY
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Savannah, GA – Mark Sinclair’s 52 saves and Eddie Matsushima’s three-point night secured the Bloomington Bison a 3-2 win over the Savannah Ghost Pirates on Saturday night at Enmarket Arena.
3:34 into the game, Matsushima opened the scoring with his 19th of the season on a shot from behind the net that deflected in. Jake Murray and Kohei Sato assisted with the lone goal during the period. The Ghost Pirates outshot the Bison 11-10 in the opening frame.
Bloomington opened the second period, killing a penalty that carried over from the first. Matsushima broke up a play and found Gavin Gould in front of the Savannah net for his third of the season. The shorthanded goal extended the Bison lead to 2-0 just :27 into the stanza. Savannah began an offensive push, but the Bison got more leverage from Matsushima. The forward collected his second goal of the night and third point of the content at 8:46 of the second. The goal was scored on a back-door tap-in from Sam Coatta and Sato. Sinclair was peppered throughout the period but kept Savannah’s offense silent for most of the frame. While on the fifth power play of the game, the Ghost Pirates broke the scoreless draught at 13:03. Ross Armour scored his 16th of the year from Dennis Cesana and Logan Drevitch. The goal ended the scoring in the period and sent the Bison into the third leading 3-1. The Ghost Pirates outshot the Bison 23-12 in the frame. The 23 shots from Savannah are the most the Bison have allowed in a single period this season.
Halfway through the third, the Ghost Pirates tightened the deficit with a tally from Devon Paliani. His 18th of the year came from Will Riedell at 9:31. The Ghost Pirates continued a strong offensive attack and pulled the goaltender for the extra attacker late in the game. The Bison could stave off the late surge and hold on for the 3-2 victory.
Sinclair saw 54 shots to preserve the win. The Ghost Pirates’ 54 shots are the most the Bison have allowed in a single game. Evan Cormier stopped 22 of 25 shots in the loss. Bloomington went 0-for-3 on the power play and 5-for-6 on the penalty kill.
The Bison return home to Grossinger Motors Arena next Saturday for Hockey is for Lovers Night! The faceoff against the Cincinnati Cyclones is set for 7 p.m. The Sweetheart Package includes two tickets to the Ice Level Party Deck with all-inclusive food, soft drinks, domestic beers, and seltzers. Also included in the package is a carnation flower, an embroidered Bison hat, and a sweetheart gift bag. The Sweetheart Package is available for only $116 and can be purchased by visiting bloomingtonbisonhockey.com or calling (309) 965-HERD.
Prorated season tickets are still available for center ice seating at just $311! Season Ticket Members receive a 15% merchandise discount and access to the Inaugural Season Meet & Greet with the Bison players! Visit bloomingtonbisonhockey.com or call (309) 965-HERD for more information.
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BISON LOSE FIRST GAME OF WEEKEND SET
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Savannah, GA – The Bloomington Bison fell by a 5-3 score on Friday night to the Savannah Ghost Pirates at Enmarket Arena.
:16 into the game, Kohei Sato scored on a feed from Eddie Matsushima to give the Bison a 1-0 lead. Sato’s second of the season was also assisted by Sam Coatta. Savannah tied the game on a goal from Evan Nause at 7:17. His third of the season came from Dennis Cesana and Ross Armour. Reece Vitelli gave the Ghost Pirates a 2-1 lead with his ninth of the season at 14:28 from Patrick Guay. The Bison were outshot 17-8 in the first frame.
The Bison opened the second period with a 5-on-3 power play goal to tie the game at two. Coatta drove a one-timer into the net for his fourth of the season at 1:37 from Brett Budgell and Patrick Bajkov. The Ghost Pirates regained their lead with a power play goal at 10:23 from Will Riedell. Guay assisted his eighth of the year. With a delayed penalty on the Bison, Devon Paliani scored with 4:25 remaining in the second. His 16th of the season concluded the scoring in the period and was assisted by Vitelli and Keaton Pehrson. The Ghost Pirates outshot the Bison again by a 17-11 margin and took a 4-2 lead into the third.
The Bison again opened the period’s scoring on a goal from Sato that was deflected in. His second of the game and third of the year was assisted by Bajkov and Ryan Siedem at 9:00. Later in the period, the Bison attempted to tie the game with an extra attacker. Paliani found the empty net with :14 remaining for his second of the game and 17th of the year. Liam Walsh and Cesana assisted on the goal to give the Ghost Pirates a 5-3 victory.
Yaniv Perets stopped 42 of 46 shots in the loss. Keith Kinkaid denied 23 of 26 shots to earn the victory. The Bison power play went 1-for-3, while the penalty kill went 3-for-4.
Bloomington continues the nine-game road trip tomorrow against the Ghost Pirates. The puck drops at 6:00 p.m. from Enmarket Arena.
Prorated season tickets are still available for center ice seating at just $311! Season Ticket Members receive a 15% merchandise discount and access to the Inaugural Season Meet & Greet with the Bison players! Visit bloomingtonbisonhockey.com or call (309) 965-HERD for more information.
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BISON COLLECT POINT IN OVERTIME LOSS
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Jacksonville, Fla. – In a goaltending duel, the Bloomington Bison suffered a 2-1 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Icemen on Tuesday afternoon at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
1:26 into the game, Davis Koch gave Jacksonville an early lead for his tenth of the season on his own rebound. Christopher Brown assisted on the lone goal despite scoring chances from each team. The Bison outshot the Icemen 14-12 in the period.
The goaltending showcase continued into the second period with more great saves from Mark Sinclair and Matt Vernon. With 3:53 left in the period, Max Neill tied the game with his first professional goal on a shot from the slot. Linus Hemstrom and Austin Heidemann assisted on the period’s only goal. The game moved into the third tied at one. Jacksonville outshot Bloomington 15-12 in the stanza.
The third period saw more of the same from each netminder. Neither team could find the back of the net, and the game was forced to overtime. The shots in the third favored the Bison 9-8.
:07 into overtime, Eddie Matsushima was whistled on an interference penalty that the Bison successfully killed. However, a too-many-men penalty later in overtime doomed the Bison. Jacksonville’s Brown ended the game with his 13th of the season at 4:22. Noah Laaouan and Brendan Harris assisted on the game-winning goal.
Sinclair stopped 40 of 42 shots in the loss. Vernon made 34 saves on 35 shots to earn the victory. The Bison went 0-for-2 on the power play and 4-for-5 on the penalty kill.
Bloomington continues its nine-game road trip on Friday night against the Savannah Ghost Pirates. The faceoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Enmarket Arena.
The Legacy Weekend Package is now available for purchase! The package includes one platinum center ice seat on Friday, February 21 (All-You-Can-Eat Night), one platinum center ice seat on Saturday, February 22 (New York Rangers Night), a VIP meet-and-greet with a Rangers legend and a Bison hat for just $49! To purchase, click HERE, or call (309) 965-HERD.
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YANIV PERETS SELECTED AS ECHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Bloomington, Ill. – Bloomington Bison goaltender Yaniv Perets has been selected as the Warrior Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week for Jan. 27-Feb. 2.
Perets went 2-0-0 with one shutout, a 0.50 goals-against average, and a save percentage of .986 in two appearances at Atlanta last week.
The 24-year-old stopped all 33 shots in a 5-0 win on Friday and made 36 saves in a 3-1 victory on Sunday.
Under a National Hockey League contract with Carolina, Perets is 8-4-1 in 13 appearances for the Bison this season with two shutouts, a 1.78 goals-against average, and a save percentage of .942. He has also gone 1-2-1 in four outings with Chicago of the American Hockey League and appeared in one game for the Hurricanes.
A native of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Perets has appeared in 47 career ECHL games with Bloomington and Norfolk, posting an overall record of 26-15-4 with four shutouts, a 2.65 goals-against average and a save percentage of .905. He has seen action in two career NHL games for Carolina.
Prior to turning pro, Perets appeared in 74 career games at Quinnipiac University, where he was 56-9-5 with 21 shutouts, a 1.34 goals-against average, and a save percentage of .935 while leading the team to the National Championship in 2023.
The Legacy Weekend Package is now available for purchase! The package includes one platinum center ice seat on Friday, February 21 (All-You-Can-Eat Night), one platinum center ice seat on Saturday, February 22 (New York Rangers Night), a VIP meet-and-greet with a Rangers legend and a Bison hat for just $49! To purchase, click HERE, or call (309) 965-HERD.
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SAM COATTA LEADS BISON TO WIN WITH THREE-POINT GAME
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Duluth, GA – Forward Sam Coatta tallied two goals and added an assist as the Bloomington Bison defeated the Atlanta Gladiators by a 3-1 score on Sunday at Gas South Arena.
Just 5:10 into the game, the Bison power play notched a goal from Coatta on a wrist shot atop the faceoff circle. His second of the season came from Ryan Siedem and Eddie Matsushima. The lone goal in the frame sent the Bison into the second period with a 1-0 lead despite being outshot 8-3.
Halfway through the second period, Coatta tallied another goal on a rebound for his second of the game and third of the year. Matsushima and Jake Murray assisted on the goal at 12:50. Randy Hernandez responded for Atlanta 3:10 later with his eighth of the season to bring the score to a 2-1 margin. Connor Galloway and Derek Topatigh assisted on the goal that would close the scoring in the second stanza.
Linus Hemstrom regained the Bison two-goal lead, scoring on his rebound at 3:51. His first professional goal came on the power play and was assisted by Coatta and Connor Lockhart. The Bison held on to their 3-1 lead despite a heavy push by the Gladiators during the third period.
Yaniv Perets stopped 36 of 37 shots to improve his record to 8-4-1. Drew DeRidder made 17 saves on 20 shots in the loss. The Bison went 2-for-3 on the power play and 1-for-1 on the penalty kill.
Bloomington continues the nine-game road trip on Tuesday morning against the Jacksonville Icemen. The puck drops at 9:30 a.m. from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
The Legacy Weekend Package is now available for purchase! The package includes one platinum center ice seat on Friday, February 21 (All-You-Can-Eat Night), one platinum center ice seat on Saturday, February 22 (New York Rangers Night), a VIP meet-and-greet with a Rangers legend and a Bison hat for just $49! To purchase, click HERE, or call (309) 965-HERD.
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BISON SUFFER 3-1 LOSS IN ATLANTA
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Duluth, GA – The Bloomington Bison fell by a 3-1 score to the Atlanta Gladiators on Saturday night at Gas South Arena.
The teams skated through an even-balanced first period with no scoring. The Bison outshot the Gladiators 9-8 in the frame.
Atlanta opened the scoring 4:13 into the second period with a goal from Patriks Marcinkevics. His sixth of the season came from Blake Murray and Jeremy Hanzel. Eddie Matsushima evened the score with his 17th of the season on a wrist shot in the high slot. The goal came at 10:37 from Ryan Siedem and Gavin Gould. Atlanta regained the lead at 12:16 with a tally from Cody Sylvester. Dylan Carabia and Ryan Cranford assisted his 16th of the year. The Gladiators pushed hard in the second, outshooting the Bison 22-13, and would take a 2-1 lead into the third period.
The third frame saw balanced play with no scoring for most of the stanza. With 2:58 left, Atlanta sealed the win on a goal from Michael Marchesan. His fifth of the season came from Randy Hernandez to close the scoring.
Brian Wilson stopped 35 of 38 shots in the loss. Drew DeRidder turned aside 32 of 33 shots in the win. The Bison went 0-for-3 on the power play and 1-for-1 on the penalty kill.
Bloomington concludes the three-game series against Atlanta tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Gas South Arena.
The Legacy Weekend Package is now available for purchase! The package includes one platinum center ice seat on Friday, February 21 (All-You-Can-Eat Night), one platinum center ice seat on Saturday, February 22 (New York Rangers Night), a VIP meet-and-greet with a Rangers legend and a Bison hat for just $49! To purchase, click HERE, or call (309) 965-HERD.
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PATRICK BAJKOV SCORES FRANCHISE’S FIRST HAT TRICK IN WIN
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Duluth, GA – Patrick Bajkov scored a hat trick. Yaniv Perets secured the shutout as the Bloomington Bison defeated the Atlanta Gladiators by a 5-0 score on Friday night at Gas South Arena.
The teams skated in a scoreless first period, with the Gladiators outshooting the Bison 14-5. Only one penalty was assessed in the frame,e with Bryce Montgomery whistled for high-sticking.
4:13 into the second period, Gavin Gould opened the scoring with a backhander for his second of the season. Carter Berger and Zack Hoffman assisted on the period’s only goal. Atlanta continued to test Perets while outshooting the Bison 11-6.
Bajkov began a monumental third period and extended the Bison lead 2:47 into the stanza with a rebound goal. His fifth of the season came from Brett Budgell and Montgomery. On the first Bison power play of the game, Bajkov added his second of the night with a wrist shot outside the faceoff circle. The goal came at 6:38 from Josh Boyer and Berger. Sam Coatta grew the Bison lead to 4-0 with his first North American professional goal at 9:19. His one-timer tally came from Gould while Eddie Matsushima notched the secondary assist. Just a few moments later, Bajkov scored the first hat trick in Bison history on a rebound. His seventh of the season came on a Budgell rebound at 13:45. Jake Murray collected the secondary assist to close the scoring and give the Bison a 5-0 victory. Bloomington outshot Atlanta 20-8 in the period.
Perets notched his second shutout in as many starts with 33 saves to improve his record to 7-4-1. Drew DeRidder took the loss with 26 saves on 31 shots. The Bison powerplay went 1-for-3 while the penalty kill went 4-for-4.
Bloomington continues the three-game series against Atlanta tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Gas South Arena.
The Legacy Weekend Package is now available for purchase! The package includes one platinum center ice seat on Friday, February 21 (All-You-Can-Eat Night), one platinum center ice seat on Saturday, February 22 (New York Rangers Night), a VIP meet-and-greet with a Rangers legend and a Bison hat for just $49! To purchase, click HERE, or call (309) 965-HERD.
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BISON ACQUIRE FORWARD AUSTIN HEIDMANN
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Bloomington, Ill. – Bloomington Bison General Manager and Head Coach Phillip Barski announced today that the team had acquired forward Austin Heidemann from the Wichita Thunder in exchange for future considerations.
Heidemann, 25, has dressed in 31 games this season with the Thunder, collecting 12 points (seven goals, five assists). He also appeared in one game with the Worcester Railers.
The Maple Grove, Minnesota native skated in 125 career NCAA games between RPI and Mercyhurst University. He complied 86 points (40 goals, 46 assists) and 41 penalty minutes over two seasons with each club.
The 6-foot, 190-pound forward led RPI with 16 assists and 27 points in 2023-24. He also prompted Mercyhurst University with 15 assists and co-led the team with 27 points in 2021-22.
The Legacy Weekend Package is now available for purchase! The package includes one platinum center ice seat on February 21 (All-You-Can-Eat Night), one platinum center ice seat on February 22 (New York Rangers Night), a VIP meet-and-greet with a Rangers legend and a Bison hat for just $49! To purchase, click HERE, or call (309) 965-HERD.
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BISON SUFFER LOSS IN KALAMAZOO
By: Andy Zilch, Bloomington Bison
Kalamazoo, Mich. – The Bloomington Bison lost in a high-scoring matchup to the Kalamazoo Wings on Sunday afternoon by a 6-3 margin at Wings Event Center.
Kalamazoo opened an eventful first period with a goal 3:13 in. Luc Salem scored his second of the season from Ben Berard and Max Humitz. With a power play, the Wings added another at 5:16. Zach Okabe tallied his ninth of the season from Quinn Preston and Ben Berard. Following the goal, Brian Wilson was pulled in favor of Yaniv Perets. At 12:16, the Bison showed life with a power play strike from Carter Berger. The defenseman fired a shot from the point for his fifth of the year that went unassisted. While playing 4-on-4, the Wings regained their two-goal with 2:41 remaining. Josh Bloom scored his seventh of the season from Preston. Just :37 later, Connor Lockhart scored on the backdoor to bring the Bison within one goal. His ninth of the year came from Ryan Siedem and Berger. The period closed with the Wings leading 3-2 and outshooting Bloomington 12-9.
The Bison applied heavy pressure in the second period and outshot the Wings 14-4. The period ended without scoring, and the teams entered the third with a one-goal contest.
3:11 into the third, Kalamazoo extended their lead with another power play goal. Zach Berzolla registered his first of the year from Preston and Jon Martin. Later in the period, with the Bison net empty, Zach Okabe scored his 10th of the year from Collin Saccoman and Preston. The goal was scored at 17:23, giving the Wings a 5-2 lead. With 1:10 remaining, Thomas Stewart blasted a slap shot that deflected into the net for his third of the season. Lockhart and Kohei Sato assisted in moving the Bison within two. With the Bison net empty again, Saccoman sealed the Wings’ victory with a goal from Preston and Bloom. His fourth of the year was scored with nine seconds left and completed the scoring at 6-3.
Wilson started the game and stopped four of six shots. Perets took the loss with 15 saves on 17 shots. Ty Young was victorious in the net with 25 saves. The Bison outshot the Wings 28-25 and went 1-for-7 on the power play while going 2-for-4 on the penalty kill.
The Bison continue their nine-game road trip Friday against the Atlanta Gladiators. The faceoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
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.
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