Alumni Squad Goes "Showtime"
August 31, 2009 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
TOPEKA, KS, AUGUST 31, 2009: He played 18 games in net before losing a game in regulation, going 17-0-1. He played with a flair for the dramatic that got his teammates calling him "ShowTime". And now, Lyle Rocker is back for a return engagement with the RoadRunner Alumni Team. Calling Williamsville, NY home, Rocker makes no bones about where his positive influences come from. "My biggest influence growing up was my parents. They got me in to hockey, and to be honest I would be no where without them." The journey that led him to Topeka, KS was an interesting one. He showed up at the Chicago tryout camp and found a groove. "It was weird, I just came to the camp and had the best weekend of my life and did not let a goal in, and I just gave Smack (head coach Scott Langer) no choice but to take me." In his first season, Rocker was set up in a backup role to returner Bryce Merriam. Rocker was nearly perfect, going 13-0-1 with a stingy 2.06 GAA. "I went on a little run there my rookie year I just got in the zone and "Smacks" gave me a chance to prove myself. It also helped having one of the best goalies in the league sitting next to me in the room, showing me some tricks." The following season, he played in 24 games, posting a 16-7-0 mark. He ended up with 3 shutouts in his career and a 29-7-1 record. He has a career GAA of 2.33, and most impressively, off all RoadRunners goalies to appear in at least 35 games, he has the winningest percentage of all at .797. Looking back over his two years in Topeka, Rocker has nothing but fond memories. He tells anyone who will listen, "Playing in Topeka is the best thing that will happen to you. Everyone says that your four years at school are the best time
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North American Hockey League Stories from August 31, 2009
- North Stars get their Phil: Wendecker returns - Traverse City North Stars
- Alumni Squad Goes "Showtime" - Topeka Pilots
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