Bison Late Goal Not Enough To Stop Fort Wayne

The Bloomington Bison didn’t score a goal until the closing minutes of the game. Despite great goaltending and tight defense, Bloomington fell short 2-1 to the Fort Wayne Komets at Grossinger Motors Arena Friday.

The Komets had an opportunity to score on a power play just over five minutes into the contest but failed to convert. Their first goal came at the 11:23 mark, when Nick Deakin-Poot tallied his second goal of the season off a rebound from defenseman Darren Brady.

Both teams managed seven shots apiece in the opening period but only the one goal between them. Blake McLaughlin led the Bison with five shots in the frame.

The second period remained tight, as neither team could light the lamp. Bloomington had a decisive 9-2 shot advantage in the period and also failed to convert a power-play chance.

At 5:25 of the third period, Alex Aleardi scored his ninth goal of the year, with defensemen Harrison Rees and Dustyn McFaul picking up helpers.

The Bison pulled goaltender Yaniv Perets at 16:43 for the extra attacker. They closed the deficit to 2-1 when Connor Lockhart found McLaughlin in the slot for his fifth goal of the season.

Unfortunately for the Bison, it would be the only goal despite a late flurry. Brett Brochu picked up the victory in goal for Fort Wayne, making 27 saves on 28 shots.

Perets stopped 15 shots and suffered the loss. It was an especially tough pill to swallow, as Bloomington outshot the Komets 28-15, but couldn’t capitalize on three power-play opportunities. They did manage to successfully complete their only penalty-kill chance of the game.

The Komets move their record to 12-7-1, while the Bison fall to 8-11-2.

Bloomington will host the Toledo Walleye Saturday at Grossinger Motors Arena, with puck drop set for 7 Pm CT. The club will hold its first-ever Teddy Bear Toss during the game. Following the team’s first goal, fans can toss their stuffed animals on the ice, which will be collected and donated to local charities.

The first 1,000 fans will receive a Bison-themed Santa hat upon entering the arena.