Topeka RoadRunners Bounce Back, Blank Odessa 5-0

The key to success in any sport is either a short memory or the ability to focus one night’s frustration into dominating effort. Regardless, the RoadRunners (7-1-1) stormed onto the ice like a freight train and did not let up until the final buzzer, rolling over the Jackalopes (3-4-1) in decisive fashion 5-0.
“It is part of our culture to never lose two in a row,” said Head Coach Scott Langer. “Our guys responded with the energy level it takes to win on night two.”
The eventual game winning goal came at 4:17 in the first period off the blade of Drew Kariofiles. Topeka would add to their lead as Tyler Poulsen found the back of the net at 18:22, giving the RoadRunners a two-point cushion going into the first intermission.
In the second period, Sean Gaffney and Kyle Sharkey each posted a powerplay goal (at 1:35 and 8:01 respectively) to make it 4-0. The two goals punctuated a period in which the RoadRunners outshot the Jackalopes 18-4. Combining high energy at both ends of the ice with excellent goaltending by Mackenzie Sawyer, Topeka finished with an impressive 32-19 edge in pucks on net over Odessa.
“The difference tonight was attention to detail,” added Langer. “There was a lot of pride taken in limiting [Odessa’s] chances against us.”
Collin Montgomery would make it 5-0 with a goal at 19:04 in the third period, removing what little drama there was remaining and cementing their most complete win of the season thus far. Sawyer became the first of Topeka’s one-two-punch of stellar goaltenders to notch a shutout in 2012-2013. He stonewalled Odessa with 19 saves and lowered his goals against average to 1.71. The penalty kill continued to be relentless, limiting the Jackalopes to 0 for 6 and improving their record to 1 for 46 on the year.
These two teams will battle it out again Sunday night at 6pm. For more information on tickets to see the Topeka RoadRunners in game three of their series against the Odessa Jackalopes, call 785-286-PUCK or visit the Expocentre Box Office. Next weekend, the RoadRunners take to the road to face the Texas Tornado. Fans are invited to join the excitement at Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant for the RoadRunners Away Game Viewing Party on Friday and Saturday night at 7:30pm.