RoadRunners Alumni Game Set for Saturday in Topeka
Published on August 29, 2012 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The tradition continues this Saturday night at Landon Arena as the RoadRunners celebrate their history and the beginning of the 2012-2013 season with the Alumni Game. When Don and Barbara Stone purchased the franchise in 2009, they created the Alumni Game to serve as a homecoming for former players and as a key component of the RoadRunners season-launching FanFest Weekend. In the inaugural contest, a wily bunch of Alumni shocked the new RoadRunners with a 1-0 win. In 2010, in a more wide open affair, the RoadRunners overcame the Alumni by a score of 7-5. After a year hiatus, the Alumni Game is back with a brand new format that will pit two teams of former RoadRunners against each other. The Alumni game is a unique opportunity for fans to honor the stars of the past who have gone on to college, pro hockey, coaching or other careers. Though they've left the roster, they will always be RoadRunners. First up, we examine the roster for the "Blue" Alumni team, while tackling the "White" Alumni team tomorrow.
BLUE TEAM - FORWARDS
Alex Arnasonhad 16 goals and 25 assists during two seasons in Santa Fe. He went on St. Thomas University in Minnesota to pursue a degree in Marketing and Business Communications.
Andrew Johnsonwas the first captain in RoadRunner history, and has earned numerous awards as a scholar athlete. He attended Bentley College then transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Ryan Whiteplayed three seasons in Topeka, leaving with the franchise records for career assists (86) and total points (122). Kurtis Antonserved as Captain in the 2009-10 season and played collegiate hockey at Oakland University in Michigan. Corey Jendrasjoined the 'Runners in Santa Fe in 2006-07, scored 30 goals in his only season in Topeka, and posted 84 points overall. Now he's a UConn Husky. Blake Humphreyonly played in 14 games for the RoadRunners before his career was cut short by injury. He was a dominating power forward, and very effective on the power play. He stills serves as a scout for the RoadRunners.
Brant Marplewas named the team's MVP in 2006. He played 102 games as a RoadRunner, accumulating 27 goals and 30 assists. He went on to play two seasons at Division I Northern Michigan.
BLUE TEAM - DEFENSE
Ted Thompsonplayed one season for the Lone Star Cavalry and is making his first Alumni Game appearance. Randy Swankwas a three-year RoadRunner, spending two of those seasons in Topeka. He's best remembered for scoring the series clinching goal in overtime in the 2008 playoffs. He also scored the only goal of the first Alumni Game in 2009.
Cory Ramsey, who served as team captain in the 2011-12 season, is another three-year RoadRunner and will play ACHA hockey in Oklahoma. Aaron Gensholds the record for most games played as a RoadRunner (171), and penalty minutes (339). He also holds the team single-season plus/minus record at plus 41. He played four years for the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and closed out last season with the AHL's Lake Erie Monsters.
BLUE TEAM - GOALIE
Cooper Frederickappeared in 26 games for the RoadRunners over the course of two seasons, going 13-3-3 in that span. He played for the Alumni in the 2010 game, and also logged some time in net for the Kansas University club team.
North American Hockey League Stories from August 29, 2012
- Roadrunners Alumni Game Roster Complete - Topeka Pilots
- RoadRunners Alumni Game Set for Saturday in Topeka - Topeka Pilots
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- Combat Hockey NAHL Showcase Just Two Weeks Away - NAHL
- Mario Lemieux to Drop Ceremonial Puck for Tomahawks Home Opener on September 29 - Johnstown Tomahawks
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