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NAHL Amarillo Bulls

Bulls Fall in OT to Topeka

March 9, 2013 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Amarillo Bulls News Release


AMARILLO, TX - Fans were treated to another close and exciting thriller between the Amarillo Bulls and the Topeka RoadRunners on Friday night at the Budweiser Bull Pen in the Amarillo Civic Center. However, they were not happy with the end result.

The Bulls surrendered the game winning goal in the final 30 seconds of overtime and dropped a 2-1 decision to the RoadRunners. By gaining a single point, the Bulls were able to extend their point-collection streak to four games, and be in a position where a win tomorrow (Saturday) night gives them the South Division Regular Season Title.

Ryan Cole tallied the lone Bulls' goal in the second period where all of the scoring took place in regulation. Despite playing well, Paul Berrafato took the loss in goal. The Bulls ran into penalty problems throughout the night, and to start the game had to kill off four straight power plays. However, Amarillo was able to generate nearly a half a dozen scoring chances on those penalties but failed to beat Spencer Veile.

"It was a disappointing night," said Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams. "I thought our boys played hard. They had to kill off nine power plays in the game and that was difficult. We gave up one on a five on three on a fluke goal."

Williams said the team had 30 Grade A scoring chance but couldn't score.

"It wasn't really anything they did great we just didn't capitalize," he said. "We have to be more tenacious in front and around the net. I told our guys don't look for sympathy because we deserved a better fate, but we make our own fate on this team. We just didn't score."

In the first period, the Amarillo Bulls spent much of the first period penalty killing as Topeka couldn't score on four attempts. The best chance occurred shorthanded for Amarillo when Clint Carlisle's shot went over top of the net. There were a total of just 13 shots in the first period with the Bulls outshooting Topeka 7-6.

Each team netted a goal in the middle stanza that was dominated by the Bulls with 20 shots on goal. Ryan Cole netted his 20th goal of the season when he tipped home a shot from Brady Ferguson and Tyler Deresky at 12:19. Cole stabbed at the puck that deflected in behind the Topeka goaltender.

Four minutes later, Topeka tied the game on a five-on-three power play goal when a shot from the point changed direction and beat Berrafato. The Bulls had their own five-on-three opportunity via the power play to close the second and open up the third but failed to find the back of the net.

There was no scoring in the third period with the Bulls outshooting Topeka 13-10.

In the final 30 seconds of overtime, Topeka broke out on a 2-on-1 and scored on a shot to the far post.

The Amarillo Bulls outshot the Topeka RoadRunners 46-28 including 6-2 in overtime. There were 14 power plays in the game with the RoadRunners going 1-for-9, while the Bulls were 0-for-5.

Box Score Topeka 2 Amarillo 1 OT

These two teams will meet one final time during the regular season tomorrow (Saturday) night at 7 pm at the Budweiser Bull Pen in the Amarillo Civic Center. It's Plains Dairy Night and one lucky fan will win milk for a year.

Tickets are available at the Bulls Office located at 301 South Polk, Civic Center Box Office and all Panhandle Ticket Outlets including United Supermarkets. For further information on Group Rates, Birthday Party Packages, or 2013 Playoff Packages, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122.

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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.

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