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Tornado Jump out to 2-0 Series Lead over Topeka

April 8, 2013 - North American Hockey League (NAHL) - Texas Tornado News Release


The Texas Tornado entered the 2013 Robertson Cup Playoffs looking for a little bit more success against their first-round opponent than they had in the regular season. The Tornado posted a 3-8-1 record against the Topeka RoadRunners in the regular season, though five of the six games played at Topeka's Landon Arena were decided by one goal. That's where Games 1 and 2 of this series took place over the weekend and, once again, the margin of victory was just one. But in both cases, the Tornado were the team on top.

Saturday, April 6th- Leisner stops 35 in 2-1 win over Topeka

The Texas Tornado took Game 1 of their South Division Semifinal series against the Topeka RoadRunners with a 2-1 win at Landon Arena on Saturday. The Tornado got goals from both Max Shuart and CJ Reuschlein, the latter picking up his game-winner in the third period. Hunter Leisner looked every bit the goaltender who was in net during last year's Robertson Cup win, making saves on 35 of 36 shots. The Tornado now have a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-five series. Despite being outshot in the game, 36-16, the Tornado took advantage of the chances they did have, including Max Shuart cashing in on a penalty shot late in the second period to break a scoreless tie. Though Kevin Patterson tied the score just 36 seconds later, Reuschlein scored in the third period on a feed from Jason Eddy, while Eddy was lying flat on his stomach. That goal held up to be the winner as the Tornado took a 1-0 advantage in the series.

Sunday, April 7th- Tornado win 2-1, take 2-0 advantage in the series

For the second straight night, the Tornado defeated Topeka by a score of 2-1. Reuschlein picked up his second goal in as many nights, while Scott Conway was credited with the game-winning goal, his first marker of the playoffs. The Tornado opened up the first period in a trap, completely confusing Topeka. They had a ton of trouble getting the puck into the Tornado zone, registering just three shots on goal in the first period. Two came from outside the zone, but the third was Kyle Sharkey's first goal of the playoffs, giving the RoadRunners a 1-0 lead. The pressure continued in the second, and the Tornado took the lead away with Reuschlein's second of the weekend, a wrister from the right circle that beat Topeka goaltender Spencer Viele high-glove side. Later in the second, Shuart picked off a pass, found Conway in front, and beat Viele by banking it off the inside of the post. There was still nearly 30 minutes of regulation hockey left, but the Tornado lead held up and they'll return to Frisco up 2-0 in the series.

Upcoming Events and Promotions

Game 3 of the series between these two teams is scheduled for Friday night at 7:30 at Dr Pepper Arena. It's a playoff blackout night, so make sure you're dressed in black as the Tornado look for the sweep over Topeka. The entertainment gets kicked off at 6:00 with the official Playoff Launch Party, complete with food, drinks, and live entertainment outside Dr Pepper Arena. Tickets start as low as $10 and are available either on Ticketmaster or by calling 972-335-9800! If the Tornado are unable to complete the sweep of Topeka on Friday, they'll get another opportunity Saturday night at 7:30. If necessary, Game 5 will be Friday, April 19th back in Topeka.

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