Topeka RoadRunners Claw Back, Defeat Amarillo 4-3 In Shootout

For two periods, it seemed that the RoadRunners were still mired in the funk that has dragged them from the top of the South over the past few weeks. Fortunately for Topeka fans, they still play all three periods. Trailing the Bulls 3-1 going into the final frame, the RoadRunners tied the game and won in a shootout 4-3.

As is typical in an Amarillo vs. RoadRunners game, drama delayed the proceedings early and often. The captains for both teams couldn’t get through the honorary puck drop with having to be separated by official. The penalty box soon became a “team meeting” as each club had three players cooling their heels within the first 34 seconds. In total, 52 penalty minutes were assessed in the first period. Tyler Deresky managed to score at 9:47 during a RoadRunners shift change to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead.

In the second, Kyle Sharkey quickly answered for the RoadRunners on a power play held over from the first, tying the game at 1-1. Brady Ferguson and Joe Grabowski restored order for Amarillo, scoring a goal each (at 9:32 and 17:47 respectively) to put the Bulls comfortably ahead 3-1.

At 3:25 in the third, Dan Dupell slapped in a power play goal of his own, narrowing the Bull lead to one. Ferguson’s hooking penalty at 16:34 opened the door for the RoadRunners late and they responded. Tyler Andrew, who had earlier laid out Hampus Gustafsson with a haymaker, even the game at three on the power play. For the game, Topeka was 3 for 7 with a man advantage while Amarillo was 0 for 8.

Sudden Death Shootout followed a scoreless overtime. Jerad Tafoya kicked it off with a goal, which Ferguson could not answer. Michal Pastor’s shot was deflected allowing Tyler Gernhofer’s goal to even the shootout at a goal-a-piece. Brandon Brossoit restored the RoadRunners advantage and Sharkey put the game away as Spencer Viele turned away the Bulls’ final two attempts.

The RoadRunners and Bulls battle again on Saturday night at 7pm. Fans can catch every punch (sucker or otherwise) at Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant but get there early as seats are limited.