Bison top Fuel, 4-2, tightening ECHL playoff race

Bloomington moved into the final playoff spot in the ECHL Central Division, just behind the third-place Fuel.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:05am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting breaking down an ECHL hockey game into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of vibrant colors like royal blue, crimson red, and golden yellow, conceptually representing the intensity of the tight playoff race.The tightening ECHL playoff race is reflected in a fragmented, Cubist-inspired depiction of the intense action on the ice.Bloomington Today

Bloomington's Dryden McKay stopped 35 of 37 shots and Riku Ishida scored twice to lead the Bison to a 4-2 win over the Indy Fuel, tightening up the ECHL playoff race. Bloomington moved into the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division, just behind the third-place Fuel.

Why it matters

The win was crucial for Bloomington as they look to secure a playoff spot, while the loss was a setback for Indy in their quest to maintain their position in the tight Central Division standings.

The details

Ishida's two first-period goals, including a power play tally, staked Bloomington to a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. Jesse Tucker got the Fuel on the board in the second period, but Bloomington responded with two more power play goals in the third from Chongmin Lee and Lou-Félix Denis to seal the victory. Owen Flores made 19 saves for the Fuel, who remain in third place in the division despite the loss.

  • The game was played on April 4, 2026.
  • Bloomington moved into the fourth and final playoff spot in the ECHL Central Division with the win.

The players

Dryden McKay

The Bloomington goaltender who stopped 35 of 37 shots in the win.

Riku Ishida

The Bloomington forward who scored two goals, including a power play tally, to lead his team's offense.

Owen Flores

The Indy Fuel goaltender who made 19 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for us as we fight to make the playoffs. The guys really battled hard and our special teams were the difference tonight.”

— Dryden McKay, Bloomington Bison Goaltender

What’s next

Indy will host Kalamazoo on Saturday in a crucial matchup as the teams battle for playoff positioning in the ECHL Central Division. Bloomington will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a postseason berth.

The takeaway

The tight ECHL playoff race in the Central Division continues to intensify, with Bloomington's win over Indy tightening the standings and setting up an important showdown between the Fuel and Kalamazoo this weekend.