Three Topeka RoadRunners Earn End of the Year Honors From NAHL

Days before the start of the Robertson Cup, the NAHL has announced the 2012-2013 All-NAHL Team, All-Division Teams and All-Rookie Teams. It comes as no surprise that a few Topeka RoadRunners made the cut. Kyle Sharkey was named to the All-NAHL team and to the All-South Division Team where he is joined by teammate Sean Gaffney. Tyler Andrew was named to the NAHL All-Rookie 2nd Team.

Kyle Sharkey: Forward, All-NAHL, All-South Division

   After two solid seasons, Kyle Sharkey exploded on the ice in his third year as a RoadRunner. Named Associate Team Captain at the beginning of the season, Sharkey was a constant threat in the offensive zone, finishing second in the league in points (69), third in goals (32) and eighth in assists (37). He led the RoadRunners in points and goals and was second only Sean Gaffney in assists. In the final weeks of the season, Sharkey made RoadRunners history, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in points (129). For this and more, Sharkey’s teammates honored him the Offensive Player of the Year Award and the team’s John Stoddard “Heart” Award (which he shared with co-captain Kevin Patterson). Sharkey has committed to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Sean Gaffney: Forward, All-South Division

   Sean Gaffney’s final season in Topeka was one to remember. Gaffney played in 58 games, scoring the game-winning goal in six of those contests (most on the team). Gaffney finished the year fifth in the league in points (66), assists (40) and powerplay assists (16). He was first among RoadRunners in assists and second in points and goals scored (26). It was these stats as well as his leadership on and off the ice that also earned him the RoadRunners Most Valuable Player Award. Gaffney is taking his talents to the university of Connecticut this fall.

Tyler Andrew: Forward, All-Rookie 2nd Team

   Tyler Andrew made an immediate impact in his first season as a RoadRunner. The 6’6” rookie was an intimidating presence on the ice, finishing third on the team in points (43), goals (20) and fourth on the team in assists (23). Andrew was not only named to the NAHL All-Rookie Team but was also voted Rookie of the Year by his fellow RoadRunners. Even more impressive, Andrew was listed on the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Rankings Report, which ranks players eligible for the NHL Early Entry Draft. He was able to parlay this success into a commitment to Division I Ferris State.

   “All three of these players were an integral part of our club this season,” said RoadRunners Head Coach Scott Langer. “Each exemplified the intangible qualities like hard work and dedication that makes one worthy of such an honor. They were a pleasure to coach and I couldn’t be more proud of what they have, and will continue to, accomplish.”

The complete list of the 2012-2013 All-NAHL, All-Division and All-Rookie Teams are available on the league’s website at www.nahl.com. The remainder of the NAHL 2012-2013 season awards, including Forward of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, Brian’s Goaltender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Organization of the Year, along with the Academic Achievement Award, Community Service Award and Mark Messier Leadership Award winners, will be announced in the near future.