Topeka RoadRunners Blank Blues 1-0

It’s hard to believe a team could finish a weekend with only one goal and still earn two points in the standings. Welcome to the NAHL. Just 24 hours past being shut out by Springfield (4-8-2), the RoadRunners (10-2-2) repaid the kindness by handing the Jr. Blues their own goose egg 1-0.
You could tell it was going to be a different game from the opening puck drop. The RoadRunners, stymied by the Blues defense all of Friday night, began peppering Ryan Kellenberger with pucks, ending the scoreless first period with a decided 15-4 advantage in shots on goal.
“When you’re having trouble scoring, you have to play patient and sound defensively,” said Head Coach Scott Langer after the game. “We did that tonight and the play of Spencer [Viele] was outstanding. Once again, our goaltending gave us an opportunity to win the game.”
Quite an opportunity when the puck can't get in the net. Viele continued his strong season, saving all 22 shots against him in his first shutout as a RoadRunner. In total, Viele has saved 193 shots this year and lowered his goals-against-average to 1.49.
Only two of the game’s 48 penalty minutes were in the first period as both teams would trade blows in the second and third frames. Luke Veitch clocked in a 10-minute game misconduct in the second period, while Springfield’s Tom Cooney was ejected in the third for checking from behind.
And it was in that third period that the Captain, Drew Kariofiles, finally broke the stalemate and gave the RoadRunners the only goal they'd need, making it 1-0 Topeka at 16:03 on a powerplay. The RoadRunners held on for the final minutes and the win, maintaining their position tied with Texas atop the South Division standings.
The RoadRunners hit the road this week for Odessa to face the pesky Jackalopes. Fans who can't make the trip are invited to watch Friday and Saturday’s games at Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant. Both games begin at 7pm but get there early as seating is limited.
The team will return to Topeka on November 9 and 10 to play the Amarillo Bulls. That Saturday game is Veterans Welcome Home Night at Landon Arena and will feature a specialty jersey auction. A portion of the proceeds will go to the VA Medical Center in support of our wounded warriors. For information on tickets, call 785-286-PUCK or visit the Expocentre Box Office.