DECATUR, IL — The Chicago Crush Premier squad stepped into the Decatur Civic Center this weekend with one thing on their minds, taking care of business. In a two-game series that felt more like a statement than a competition, the Crush dismantled the Decatur Blaze with a combined score of 10-1, showcasing their depth, discipline, and sheer dominance. If hockey is a chess match, the Crush were playing 4D chess while the Blaze were still figuring out how to move their pawns.
Game 1: Chicago Crush 6, Blaze 0
The first game was a clinic in puck possession, defensive structure, and capitalizing on opportunities. The Crush came out flying, with Mac King opening the scoring just 4:12 into the first period, assisted by Jason Gongol and Peter White. Gongol, who’s been a revelation this season, added a goal of his own later in the period, and from there, it was all Crush. William Kenny, David/DJ Long, Spencer Kauke, and Jace Levine all found the back of the net, while goaltender Lukas Janicina pitched a 14-save shutout. The Blaze, meanwhile, looked like they were stuck in quicksand, managing just 14 shots on goal and failing to convert on any of their three power plays.
The Crush’s penalty kill was airtight, and their power play cashed in when it mattered. Assistant Coach Phil Bushbacher summed it up perfectly: "When we’re clicking like that, it’s a beautiful thing to watch. Our guys were dialed in, from the net out. Lukas was a wall, and our forwards were relentless. That’s Crush hockey."
Game 2: Crush 4, Blaze 1
If Game 1 was a statement, Game 2 was an exclamation point. The Crush picked up right where they left off, with Jason Gongol striking early again, this time just 3:48 into the first period. Spencer Kauke added a power-play goal later in the period, and Logan Fernandes notched his first of the season in the second. The Blaze managed to sneak one past backup goalie Aidan Wysoglad on the power play, courtesy of Liam Hilts, but that was the only blemish on an otherwise flawless weekend for the Crush. Ryan Brown sealed the deal with a third-period goal, and the Crush skated away with another decisive victory.
The game wasn’t without its fireworks, though. A second-period scrum led to multiple penalties, including a game misconduct for Peter White after he dropped the gloves with Oscar Sizemore.
The Blaze’s frustration was palpable, and the Crush took full advantage, outshooting Decatur 48-23 and going 1-for-9 on the power play. The Blaze, on the other hand, were 1-for-10 with the man advantage, a testament to the Crush’s disciplined penalty kill.
Key Takeaways:
Jason Gongol is a Problem (for opponents): With 13 goals and 14 assists on the season, Gongol is proving to be one of the most dynamic forwards in the league. His ability to create space and finish plays is a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Spencer Kauke’s Leadership: The captain tallied two goals and two assists over the weekend, further solidifying his status as the heart and soul of this team. His ability to elevate his game in big moments is unmatched.
Goaltending Depth: Janicina’s shutout in Game 1 and Wysoglad’s solid performance in Game 2 highlight the Crush’s strength between the pipes. This team doesn’t miss a beat, no matter who’s in net.
The Big Picture:
With this sweep, the Crush improve to 17-6-2-1 on the season, firmly establishing themselves as one of the top teams in the league. Their +36 goal differential is a testament to their balanced attack and stifling defense.
As the Crush head into their next series, they’re riding a four-game winning streak and showing no signs of slowing down. If this weekend was any indication, the rest of the league should be on notice: the Chicago Crush are for real, and they’re coming for the crown.
"We’re not satisfied," Bushbacher added. "This group has bigger goals, and we’re just getting started."
Buckle up, folks. This team is must-watch hockey. Catch all the Crush action live on FloHockey.tv!
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