Following
their first overtime loss of the season, the RoadRunners (2-0-1) needed
to make a statement on Day Three of the NAHL Showcase. And they did,
defeating the Coulee Region Chill (1-2-0) by a score of 4-1.
Coulee
Region got things started at 18:15 of the first period when the
RoadRunners turned the puck over in front of the net, allowing Hunter
Anderson to score on a rebound off Spencer Viele, giving the Chill a 1-0
lead heading into the 1st Intermission.
Topeka
stuck back early in the 2nd period as Cam Bleck wrapped around the net
to slip the puck past Devin Kero, tying the score 1-1 at 3:32. Later in
the period, Drew Kariofiles gave the RoadRunners a 2-1 lead, ending the
team’s 0 for 15 power play drought with a one-timer at 15:37. Sean
Gaffney would add another power play goal less than two minutes later at
17:25. Topeka stormed into the 2nd Intermission with a 3-1 lead.
“We
played with more purpose, energy and detail,” beamed Roadrunners Head
Coach Scott Langer. “Specialty teams were the difference. We grew as a
team this morning.”
Dan
Dupell would pile on another goal with a shorthanded effort at 2:35 in
the 3rd, highlighting what has been a dominating penalty kill for the
team (the Chill would finish the game 0 for 6 on the power play).
Opponents are now 0 for 14 against Topeka’s penalty kill this season.
For
the goalies, Spencer Viele (2-0, 47sv, 1.00 GAA), making his second
start this season, picked up the win with 15 saves. The RoadRunners
bombarded the Chill’s Devin Kero (0-1, 35sv, 4.00 GAA) with 39 shots in
the game.
With
the victory, the RoadRunners secured a winning trip to Blaine with one
game remaining. Tomorrow, at 3:30pm, they take on the Bismarck Bobcats
before boarding the bus for home and a day off. On Monday night, they
hit Landon Arena for the Topeka Home Opener against the Odessa
Jackalopes. For ticket information, call 785-286-PUCK or visit the
Expocentre Box Office.
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