The Indy Fuel scored twice in a 35-second stretch of the first period Saturday night and went on to defeat the Bloomington Bison 4-2 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, Illinois.

The Fuel’s only preseason game comes ahead of Friday’s regular-season opener at Fishers Event Center. Fans can see the team at its annual open house today, Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Cody Laskosky opened Saturday’s scoring at 7:54 of the first period. Marcus Joughin followed at 8:29, with assists from Kyler Kupka and Dustin Manz.

Jadon Joseph extended Indy’s lead to 3-0 at 15:07 of the second period, assisted by Tommy Budnick and Jesse Tucker. Bloomington’s Mikhail Abramov answered late in the period.

Kyle Aucoin made it 4-1 at 13:35 of the third period, with Josh Nixon earning the assist. Bloomington’s Glebs Prohorenkovs scored with one second remaining.

Indy outshot Bloomington 39-22. Adam Gajan and Thomas Gale shared goaltending duties, with Gajan stopping all 14 shots he faced and Gale making six saves.

Christian Horn directed the Fuel as interim head coach while newly hired head coach Jesse Messier awaits immigration authorization.

The team announced Thursday that an unexpected processing delay at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had prevented Messier from assuming his duties. At that time, the Fuel said it was uncertain whether approval would arrive before the regular-season opener.

Fuel President Sean Hallett said former head coach Duncan Dalmao’s unexpected departure late in the offseason meant the organization filed its immigration application later than usual. Hallett said that timing did not cause the processing delay but left less flexibility to accommodate it. The team has sought help from U.S. Sen. Todd Young’s office.

Today’s open house at Fishers Event Center will feature selected players, team personnel and community partners, along with a clearance sale of Fuel and Fishers Freight merchandise. Admission and parking are free.

The afternoon’s activities also include giveaways, food and a jersey reveal. The Fuel open the regular season Friday, Oct. 16, against the Wheeling Nailers at Fishers Event Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.   For Indy Fuel tickets, use this link.