A Topeka Comeback
Published on November 18, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
We are in Topeka for a two game series tonight and tomorrow night. It was nice to get off the bus after one of the longest bus trips of the year. Six hours across Western Illinois, Northern Missouri and Eastern Kansas is more than enough to last awhile. The Coaches, bus driver and I ate some super Bar B Que right next to the hotel. It was like old home week even though "Pat's Pig Palace" has changed ownership. There were other business additions in far south Topeka where the hotel is located, but I don't think I will go into those here.
There are some changes coming. I will soon be putting these articles on the web in a blog. Most of the articles are written in the first and second intermission of the game so you will see and read much more quickly than ever before. When the Blues play badly, like they did last Sunday against Janesville you may still have to wait until the next day. Sometimes it is easier to write from a positive view after cooling down somewhat. I'll keep you updated on the blog. Nally has a lot of good ideas to keep updating and professionalizing how we can get Jr. Blues information to you quickly and succinctly. NalKil productions continue to work on our home FASTHockey broadcasts. They've added a second camera this year with newer cameras to present the games in greater clarity. And everything they provide came out of their own pockets. Soon one of the cameras will be positioned near the Blues goal during the games, and we will bring you instant replays. These two are a talented pair and are thinking all the time as to how they can improve the broadcasts. Now they are working on putting the blog on the internet.
There are some new faces that came to the Blues this week. Another Moscow, Russia player, Pavel Rott has joined the team. He played for Coulee Region when they came to the Nellie a few weeks ago. He was released by the Onalaska, Wisconsin team and was headed to Wichita Falls, Texas when Coach Dibble acquired his rights to play. Along with Pavel, Ryan Doner arrived at our house last night about 12:30 am. He was acquired in a trade with the Aberdeen Wings that sent Mike Parnell up north to play for the Wings. There may be other changes as the year progresses, but nothing further is planned at this time that I'm aware of.
The last meeting, a two game series in Springfield saw the Roadrunners take both games from the Good Guys. This would be a good weekend for the Jr. Blues to return the favor. And that really depends on which Blues team shows up to play. Joe (Coach Dibble) is still trying to find the right combination on ice to get this team to play consistently. With the talent on this team, one would hope consistency would not be the problem it is has been. I truly think the key components are in place to return the organization to its former glory. It has really (and this isn't surprising to anyone) been a tough struggle the last few years. I think the light at the end of the tunnel is no longer the "freight train" that has been rumbling closer and closer. Other changes this week saw Caleb Neal go out to the EJ, and Alex Bonito leave the team, probably also for the EJ.
There are a lot of games in the NAHL tonight, but we'll be watching one very closely. That's the game between Coulee Region and Janesville. We'll bring updates of that score as we go along in the broadcast.
Another great first period, as neither team was able to score. The Blues are attacking hard and their fore check has really bothered the Runners during the first. It has been an excellent defensive struggle by both teams. Guan Wang went to the locker room about half way through the first. His shoulder popped out, but it went back into place okay and I think he will be able to continue. No let down Good Guys! Let's keep up the pressure as the second period is about to start.
The Blues kept up the pressure throughout the second period. Kyle Cook scored at 7:10 of the second period with assists by Josef Pontasc and Chris Sitler. The Good Guys had the lead until Brian Christie scored to tie the game at 13:10 with help from Jake Lynes and Dan Dupell. The Blues defense has been impressive through two periods, and it has kept the Roadrunners off balance for most of the game so far. Let's go Blues!
We watched Ryan Doner, newest Jr. Blue limp off the ice and head for the locker room during the second period. I'll try and get an update before e-mailing this. No sooner do I type that last sentence, but I get a text from Coach Dibble. The Topeka team Doctor thinks Ryan may have broken his foot. Looks like I may have to go with him to the emergency room after the game. So, we may not have an update before I send this, but if I have anything further I will pass it along.
Post-game report: I'm sitting in the emergency room with Ryan Doner. He is waiting for an X-ray on his foot. If it's broken the Doctors will splint it and he can get it checked further when we get back to Springfield.
Talk about bad luck; he drives in yesterday from Aberdeen, South Dakota, doesn't get in until 12:30am this morning, only to get up early and ride another six hours on the bus. He plays a period and a half, gets hurt, and we both miss out on post-game pizza! Bummer! By the way, it is a 12 hour drive from Aberdeen to Springfield. He may start snoring at any second. I can't blame him if he does. At least Ryan and the Blues will have some turkey time to rest up and heal some of the wounds. And Ryan, who has five brothers and sisters, who all play hockey, will have to rest up and that sore foot, but he does get to be with family!
That will wrap it up for tonight. Tomorrow is another game with the Roadrunners, minus Ryan. We will see more of him before too long though. What we saw tonight was impressive, so I have high hopes he will be a good fit for the Springfield Jr. Blues!
North American Hockey League Stories from November 18, 2011
- Falcons overcome Stars - Traverse City North Stars
- Carey Scores Team-Leading 11th Goal - Wenatchee Wild
- Bulls Outlast Texas 4-3 in Overtime - Amarillo Bulls
- A Topeka Comeback - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Bruins pick up 2-0 victory - Austin Bruins
- Bobcats Make First Trip to Alexandria for One - Bismarck Bobcats
- Warriors Donate to Eastern Michigan Food Bank - Michigan Warriors
- Bulls Beat Odessa 8-2 - Amarillo Bulls
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
