Friday, September 14, 2012

Topeka RoadRunners Bounce Back, Thaw The Chill 4-1

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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