BLOOMINGTON GETS REVENGE ON VALENTINES DAY

Written by Jack Morris on February 16, 2026

IMAGE COURTESY OF BLOOMINGTON BISON MEDIA TEAM

NORMAL, Ill. – Bloomington lost their first match to the Utah Grizzlies 5-3 on Friday the 13th but came away with a victory on Valentine’s Day, getting a 3-1 road win.

The Bison came out aggressive to start the game getting two shots off in the first two minutes, but it was Grizzlies’ forward Luke Manning who scored the first goal of the game at 4:38.

Just over two minutes later center Bison Mikael Robidoux and a Grizzly each got a five-minute major penalty for fighting at the center of the ice.

Both teams struggled to find opportunities on offense, as only 13 shots were attempted throughout the entire first period, with the Bison taking advantage 8-5.

In the second period, both teams came alive. Bloomington got their first goal at 3:24 with Lou-Félix Denis scoring his 9th goal of the season after an assist from Nikita Sedov and Cullen Ferguson, tying the game 1-1.

The Grizzlies took control of the next ten minutes, getting five shots, but none of them found the back of the net. The Bison took the lead for the first time all weekend after Brad Morrison scored his second goal with the team at 15:48.

The third period was slowed down, especially for the Bison who struggled offensively, only taking five shots. Utah had more success getting shots but were unable to come away with any points.

Bloomington was able to put the game away with just 13 seconds left after a Sullivan Mack goal. The Grizzlies got two more shots off, but it was no use as the Bison got the 3-1 win.

Bison goalie Dryden McKay saved 25 goals against the team he played for to start the season. McKay joined Bloomington in November and has proved to be a big help to their success. McKay has the 5th highest save percentage of goalies league wide, who have played more than 1000 minutes.

The Bloomington Bison will play their final game in Utah on Monday the 16th, before they return home to Grossinger Motors Arena on the 20th.

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