BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington PrairieThunder lost for the first time this season at U.S. Cellular Coliseum as the Fort Wayne Komets posted a 3-1 International Hockey League victory before 2,2624 people.
It was the PrairieThunder’s first setback in six games at home and snapped a seven-game winning streak at U.S. Cellular Coliseum, dating back to last season. Bloomington’s record dipped to 8-4-0-2 (18 points).
Leo Thomas scored what proved to be the winning goal with 10:12 remaining in the second period on a power play. He was assisted by Rick Verone and Tomas Klempa.
Jamie Carroll gave Bloomington a 1-0 lead with 16:08 left in the second period off assists from Billy Bagron and Ryan Finnerty.
Fort Wayne, which has an 8-4-0-0 record (16 points), tied the game on Keith Rodger’s goal with 11:38 remaining in the second period. Justin Chwedoruk had the assist. The Komets added an empty net goal with 56 seconds left by Chwedoruk on assists by Sean O’Connor and Colin Chaulk.
Bloomington outshot the Komets, 36-27. Andrew Martin suffered the loss in net for Bloomington, stopping 24 of 26 shots. Tim Haun was the winning goalie by pushing aside 35 of 36 shots.
Bloomington returns to action Wednesday with a 6:05 p.m. tilt at Dayton. The PrairieThunder returns home Friday for a 7:05 p.m. battle against Port Huron.

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