Langer, 'Runners Notch Milestone Victory
March 14, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
It wasn't easy. but then again, if it was easy everyone would do it. In a come-from-behind win on Saturday night in St. Louis, Scott Langer, the only head coach the RoadRunners have ever had recorded his 300th career victory as Topeka defeated the St. Louis Bandits 2-1 in a shootout.
Langer began his head coaching career in 2004 when the RoadRunners began operations in Santa Fe, NM after relocating from North Richland Hills, TX where he served as an assistant for the Lone Star Cavalry. He won his very first game, a 6-1 win over the Central Texas Marshals. He would lead the 'Runners to the playoffs that first season, and has brought his teams to the postseason in all but one season, the team's second year in Santa Fe. Through some rocky patches in the beginning, Langer remained as the anchor, the one constant that kept the core values of the franchise intact. Named the NAHL GM of the Year and then Head Coach of the year the following season, his achievements have not gone unrecognized among his peers. The RoadRunners are regarded as one of the premiere franchises in the league, but in typical fashion, Langer is quick to spread the credit. "We are fortunate to have a passionate and committed ownership group that gives us the tools we need to be a successful operation both on and off the ice". he said. "It takes continued effort from everyone in the organization to maintain, but it all starts at the top."
"This is a tremendous milestone for Coach Langer and the RoadRunners as an organization," said Donald Stone III, RoadRunners Vice President of Operations. "It speaks to the level of excellence that he demands, not only of his players, but of himself."
Langer is proud of the team's continued success but is even more proud of the number of players that have gone onto college, a list of over 70 players and growing. In his eighth season as Head Coach, Langer is 300-122-40 (.693 winning percentage).
"An achievement like this is rare in sports today" added Stone. "Coach Langer's ability to evaluate talent, then get the most out of it, has contributed greatly to our success as an organization."
North American Hockey League Stories from March 14, 2012
- Glen Gulutzan Joins Roster for Pros Vs. Prospects - Texas Tornado
- Langer, 'Runners Notch Milestone Victory - Topeka Pilots
- Bobcats Fight off Wings, Seal Home Ice - Bismarck Bobcats
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