Blaze looking to turn around lackluster past in Bloomington

BLOOMINGTON, Ill – When one thinks of wasted potential in the minor league hockey world, Bloomington, Illinois often comes up in the conversation.  
Bloomington first got their team in 2006 when they were known as the PrairieThunder. High hopes came with the new team as they often do and things looked promising at first as fans recognized both players and staff from a successful Peoria Rivermen franchise just 45 minutes down Interstate 74.  
That first year Bloomington hockey consistently saw crowds of 3,500 plus and even broke the 5,000 mark on a few occasions.
 
Sadly, all the glamour and shine of a new franchise faded quickly, four of the five years with a losing record was enough for the PrairieThunder – they went defunct and a new franchise came about with the name that they are known as today, The Bloomington Blaze.  
The Blaze got off to a rocky start as well; a shuffle in ownership, losing their first coach before the first game. Their first season was definitely not enough to rejuvenate the Bloomington hockey fan base.  
 
The crowds just seemed to get smaller and smaller.
 
All of that dark past leads us to where we are today; the 2012-13 season is starting to show signs of life for the Bloomington Blaze. With the major league out on another lockout and the Bloomington on-ice team starting the season off with some exciting wins, it just maybe the right combination to get fans back in the building.
 

Bloomington is currently in 4th place in the 10-team Central Hockey League, trailing the 1st place Allen Americans by four points in the standings. Bloomington has the best scoring pair in the league with Bloomington veteran Jon Booras first in the league in points with 21, and new comer Nicklas Lindberg not far behind in 3rd place with 19 points.  
 
The Blaze can put up points which are something hockey teams in Bloomington have always struggled with. The team also boasts the best power play in the league currently converting on over 30% of their man advantage opportunities.
 
Coach Gratz seems to have found a good combination that wins games and puts on a show on the ice. The Blaze also leads the league in penalty minutes (271). Tysen Dowzak leads the team with 53 PIM. This combination of scoring punch and grit maybe enough to start having the locals take notice.
 
As much as a winning team helps, one must give credit to the front office in Bloomington as well. As someone who has attended games every year this is the first time in a long time it feels organized. Everything from the music, announcers, in game entertainment has all improved over last year.   The office has also jumped on the social media band wagon and has offered $5 tickets and other specials for select games.  
 
The Blaze are currently 7th in attendance average, but every game seems to get a little better. It is easily noticed leaving the games that people are more excited; a buzz is starting to take shape. If the front office as well as the team can keep up the momentum they are building, Bloomington may just become the hockey town that was envisioned seven years ago.
 
Contact the writer at Justin.Boyd@prohockeynews.com Contact the photographer at Les.Stockton@prohockeynews.com Follow us on Twitter @prohockeynews