Bloomington Bison Win Season Opener At Home

IMAGE COURTESY OF BLOOMINGTON BISON MEDIA TEAM 

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Bloomington Bison are back for the 26-27 season. On Saturday night, they opened their season at home against the Kalamazoo Wings, earning a 4-3 overtime victory.

The game featured high-powered offense, with both teams recording more than 30 shots. Despite allowing multiple goals, both goaltenders performed well, each posting a save percentage close to 90%.

The Wings opened the first period aggressively, recording three consecutive shots within two minutes, but none found the back of the net. The remainder of the period featured an even back-and-forth battle, with both offenses creating multiple scoring chances. However, the defenses held strong, and the first period ended scoreless.

The Bison came out determined in the second period, as Deni Goure, who joined the Bison midway through last season, scored the team’s first goal of the season less than two minutes into the period.  

Bloomington refused to slow down. Just a minute later, ECHL newcomer Vladislav Kamenev scored for the Bison, putting the Bison up 2-0. 

The rest of the second period passed without another goal, despite a high number of shots from both teams. Kalamazoo tried to close the gap, but Issac Poulter stopped 20 consecutive shots in his Bison debut 

The third period appeared to put the game away for the Bison when star defender Nikita Sedov scored to extend the lead. However, the momentum quickly shifted to the Wings. 

Although the Bison limited the number of opposing shots, Kalamazoo capitalized on their opportunities, scoring three consecutive goals within ten minutes of each other. With the game tied up 3-3, regulation ended, sending the game into overtime. 

With the next goal deciding the game, both offenses increased the pressure, and each team generated multiple shots early in overtime. Grant Porter and the Bison ultimately ended the night just over two minutes into the extra period, securing the 4-3 victory.

With the win, the Bison earned their first season opening victory in franchise history in front of nearly 5,000 fans.  

The Bison will return to Grossinger Motors Arena on Friday at 7 p.m. to face the Fort Wayne Komets. 

For all things Bloomington Bison, stay tuned to WZND.com.