Captain Rons Leads the Pilots to a Win
December 2, 2018 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka Pilots had their way with the Springfield Jr. Blues Saturday night.
Topeka (13-10-3) got goals from six different players, including two defensemen, in a balanced 6-2 victory at Landon Arena.
Tied at 1-1, the Pilots built a 4-1 lead in the second period, after three goals in the first 7:53 of the frame.
Entering the third period with a 4-2 lead, Topeka continued to pour on the pressure, with two more tallies in the final frame.
Forward Eric Brown and defenseman Cole Thiessen both notched their first goals of the season in the third period.
"It was great for our guys to get their confidence rolling tonight," Pilots head coach Simon Watson said. "We're happy to see that distribution amongst the lineup, especially seeing the defensemen jump in and get involved."
In the first period, the Jr. Blues jumped out to the lead at 11:30, as forward Nick Techel beat Pilots goaltender Emil Gransoe.
Defenseman Brenden Rons brought Topeka back even at one with a powerplay goal at 16:04, making a great individual effort to beat goaltender Jack Williams. For Rons, it was his second goal of the season, with his first goal of the year coming last weekend.
A big shorthanded goal came at 2:39 of the second period with forward Brendan Schultz beating a race to the puck with Williams, who came out to clear the puck. Schultz was able to skate in and flip the puck into an empty net for a 2-1 lead.
"That goal by Brendan was a game-changer," Watson said. "That was a great individual effort."
Following Schultz's goal, fisticuffs ensued at 5:40 of the second period, with Rons and Springfield forward Braden Stewart both receiving five-minute majors for fighting and 10-minute misconducts.
Following the scuffle, the Pilots piled it on with two more quick goals from forwards Quinn Green and Michael Muschitiello, before Springfield cut the lead to 4-2 late in the second.
With the victory, Topeka currently sits in second place with 29 points in the NAHL South Division.
The Pilots return to action at 7:05 p.m. December 8 at Landon Arena. The contest will include a teddy bear toss after the game's first goal and a giveaway for a signed jersey from Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. All teddy bears will be donated following Saturday's game.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 2, 2018
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- Wings Set Franchise Record with 12-3 Win Saturday - Aberdeen Wings
- Wiseman Scores in OT as Titans Defeat Rebels - New Jersey Titans
- Captain Rons Leads the Pilots to a Win - Topeka Pilots
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