DECATUR, Il. - The Chicago Crush Premier squad hit the road for a weekend showdown with the Decatur Blaze, returning home with a clean sweep and some stellar performances that set the tone for the season. Saturday night’s clash saw the Crush shut out Decatur in a 3-0 win, while Sunday’s contest capped off the weekend with a gritty 4-1 victory.
Game 1: Oct 19, 2024 – Chicago Crush 3, Decatur Blaze 0
Saturday’s game was a goaltending masterclass from Lukas Janicina, who turned aside all 27 shots he faced, securing his first shutout of the season. The Crush offense broke through in the second period, with Jason Gongol opening the scoring five minutes in, off a feed from Spencer Kauke.
The team found its stride in the third, with Nick Zizas netting a shorthanded insurance goal just five minutes into the final frame, assisted by Keith Watkins and Cyler Brogle. Gongol, riding high on confidence, sealed the game at 14:56 with his second tally of the night, as Nathaniel Zimmerman provided the setup.
Despite a steady stream of penalties for both teams, including some heavy hits and fiery exchanges, the Crush defense remained unshaken. With disciplined penalty killing and Janicina standing tall between the pipes, the Blaze couldn’t find an opening.
Game 2: Oct 20, 2024 – Chicago Crush 4, Decatur Blaze 1
The Crush carried their momentum into Sunday’s game, firing on all cylinders from the drop of the puck. Nick Zizas found the back of the net just past the halfway mark of the first period, with assists from Nathan Cucinotta and Mac King. Less than a minute later, Nathaniel Zimmerman doubled the lead, tipping in a shot off passes from Jace Levine and Ioannis Beldecos.
The second period saw Spencer Kauke extend the lead with a beautifully placed goal, assisted by Brogle. Kauke wasn’t done yet—he sealed the game with a late empty-netter in the third, capping off a dominant weekend performance.
Despite a late consolation goal from Decatur’s Damien Pongklub, assisted by Petr Treutner and Jesper Frunck, the Blaze couldn’t overcome the crushing Chicago defense, led by goalie Patrick Johansen, who stopped 33 of 34 shots.
The physicality ramped up in Game 2, with both teams racking up major penalties and multiple game misconducts. Logan Fernandes and Decatur’s Davin Hynek dropped the gloves in the second period, setting off a string of fights that highlighted the game’s intensity. Jack Powers of Decatur earned himself a major penalty and game misconduct for cross-checking, while Keith Watkins of the Crush faced disqualification late in the third for a hit to the head.
With a pair of commanding wins, the Crush improve to 3-0-0-0 on the season, heading home with confidence and looking to build on their early success.
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