Topeka RoadRunners Explode In Third, Win 7-2

While a light drizzle fell on the fans back home, it was raining goals in Springfield. The RoadRunners (19-5-4) scored three in the first and four in the third to defeat the slumping Jr. Blues (10-15-2) by a score of 7-2.

Eschewing the familiar formula, the RoadRunners broke out early with a goal from Tyler Poulsen to take a 1-0 lead. That lead would be stretched to 2-0 after Jerad Tafoya’s goal at 8:20. With Sean Gaffney shackled in the penalty box (Roughing at 9:32), Springfield took advantage and scored their first goal of the night off the blade of Parker Johnson to make it 2-1. But as the first period came to a close, Luke Veitch took a Gaffney assist and found the back of the net, giving the RoadRunners a comfortable 3-1 lead.

Ryan Atkinson would cut the lead to 3-2 at 3:04 in the second. And there the score would remain going into the third period.

At 7:47 in the final frame, Kyle Sharkey chipped in a powerplay goal, restoring the two-point lead. Then Jake Kamrass hammered home his first goal of the year at 8:53 to make it 5-2. Tafoya added another at 12:24 and Codey Hansen capped the night off with a netter at 13:38 to make it 7-2. All told, three RoadRunners scored their first goals of the season Friday night (Tafoya, Veitch and Kamrass).

The RoadRunners remain a point ahead in the South Division as Amarillo and Texas both kept pace with wins Friday night. They’ll do it all over again Saturday night at 7pm in Springfield. Fans in Topeka are invited to watch the game at Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant but are advised to get there early as seats are limited.

Next weekend, the RoadRunners return to Landon Arena to face the Amarillo Bulls. The Friday-Saturday night series will feature two silent auctions benefitting the United Way. Up for bid are hand painted ornaments from the players and coaches. For more information on tickets, call 785-286-PUCK or visit the Expocentre Box Office.