Hat Tricks, Heroics, and Heart-Stoppers: Chicago Crush Premier Defeat Rivals in Thrilling Weekend Sweep!
- Chicago Crush Communications / ChicagoCrushHockey.com
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
OAK FOREST, IL - The Chicago Crush Premier had a weekend for the ages at West Meadows Ice Arena, facing off against divisional rivals the Decatur Blaze and crosstown foes the Chicago Cougars. It was a three-game stretch that showcased the Crush’s resilience, offensive firepower, and ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes were highest. Let’s break it down, shift by shift, goal by goal, and hear from Associate Head Coach Phil Bushbacher on what made this weekend so special.
Game 1: Crush vs. Decatur Blaze – Thursday, February 6, 2025
Final Score: Chicago Crush 4, Decatur Blaze 3 (OT)
The Crush kicked off their weekend with a nail-biter against the Decatur Blaze, a team that’s been a thorn in their side all season. Despite outshooting the Blaze 38-21, the Crush found themselves in a dogfight, trading blows in a game that felt like a heavyweight title bout.
Mac King opened the scoring with a power-play snipe, but the Blaze responded with a gritty goal from Kaleb Ellard. The second period was a rollercoaster, with Charles Domaracki and DJ Long finding the back of the net for the Crush, while Decatur’s Jesper Frunck and Kieran Prichett kept things tight.
The third period was a defensive stalemate, but just 19 seconds into overtime, Brennan Cazel became the hero, burying the game-winner off a beautiful feed from Caden Day.
Coach Bushbacher’s Take: “That’s playoff hockey right there. Decatur came to play, and they made us earn every inch. But I loved how our guys stayed composed, especially in OT. Cazel’s goal was a thing of beauty—just a relentless effort from the whole unit. That’s the kind of resilience we need moving forward.”
Game 2: Crush vs. Chicago Cougars – Friday, February 7, 2025
Final Score: Chicago Crush 7, Chicago Cougars 3
If Thursday was a grind, Friday was a statement. The Crush dominated their crosstown rivals, putting up a seven-spot on the scoreboard in front of a packed house at West Meadows.
William Kenny got things started early, and Spencer Kauke added another to give the Crush a 2-1 lead after the first. The second period was a masterclass in offensive execution, with Nick Zizas, Jason Gongol, and Caden Day lighting the lamp. The Cougars tried to claw back with power-play goals from Jordan Trakosas and William Stornello, but the Crush were relentless.
Brennan Cazel and Timeo Tissot capped off the scoring in the third, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Coach Bushbacher’s Take: “That’s the kind of game that shows what this team is capable of. We were clicking on all cylinders—special teams, five-on-five, you name it. Gongol and Day were magic out there, and our D-corps did a great job limiting their chances. It’s always sweet to get a win against the Cougars, but the way we did it tonight? That’s something to build on.”
Game 3: Crush vs. Decatur Blaze – Saturday, February 8, 2025
Final Score: Chicago Crush 6, Decatur Blaze 2
The Crush closed out their weekend with a dominant performance against the Blaze, avenging their close call from Thursday. This time, there was no doubt who the better team was.
Mac King was an absolute force, netting a hat trick, including two goals in the second period. Nathaniel Zimmerman’s tally at 13:47 of the second stood as the game-winner, but the Crush weren’t done. Caden Day and Nick Zizas added power-play goals to put the game out of reach.
The Blaze managed a couple of late goals, but it was too little, too late. Patrick Johansen was solid in net, turning aside 13 shots for the win.
Coach Bushbacher’s Take: “Mac King was a man on a mission tonight. When he’s feeling it, there’s no stopping him. And our power play? That’s the best it’s looked all season. We’re starting to find our rhythm, and that’s where we want to be heading into the playoffs.”
Three Stars of the Weekend
Mac King (CHI): 5 goals, 2 assists, and a hat trick to cap off the weekend. King was a force of nature, showing why he’s one of the most dangerous forwards in the league.
Caden Day (CHI): 2 goals, 6 assists. Day was the engine that drove the Crush offense, setting up teammates and finding the back of the net himself.
Brennan Cazel (CHI): 2 goals, including the OT winner on Thursday. Cazel’s emergence as a clutch performer has been a game-changer for the Crush.
Looking Ahead
The Crush are riding high after a perfect 3-0 weekend, but the road doesn’t get any easier. With the playoffs on the horizon, every game matters. Coach Bushbacher knows the stakes.
“We’re hitting our stride at the right time, but we can’t get complacent. This league is too good for that. We’ll enjoy this weekend, but come Monday, it’s back to work. We’ve got bigger goals in mind.”
The Crush faithful have plenty to be excited about. This team is firing on all cylinders, and if this weekend was any indication, they’re ready to make some noise when it matters most.
Stay tuned for more Crush coverage, and let’s keep the momentum rolling! Catch all the Chicago Crush action live on FloHockey.tv!
Commentaires