Red Hot 'Runners Claim South Title
March 14, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka RoadRunners won their tenth game in a row on Sunday night, defeating the Amarillo Bulls 5-3 and in the process clinched their second consecutive regular season South Division title and home ice advantage throughout the postseason.
After a penalty laden, vicious game on Saturday riddled with penalties, Sunday's game was a far more polished affair that showcased more of both teams natural talents. Amarillo scored first on a power play with Joe Kozlak tipping in a Dan McDougall shot at 7:31 of the first period, but Topeka tied it up when Cory Ramsey buried a low shot under the glove of Nikifor Szczerba from the left boards at 12:45. The 'Runners took a 2-1 lead when Jake Lynes backhanded a rebound past Szczerba on a rush led by Andrew O'Leary and Brian Christie. The goal came with :13 seconds remaining in a period that saw Topeka outshoot the Bulls 14-10 despite the Bulls having two power plays to none for the 'Runners.
In the second period, the Bulls struck quickly as Matt Johnson was left alone in front of the net where he buried a centering pass just :15 seconds into the frame. The RoadRunners retook the lead at 6:25 of the second as Davey Middleton put a shot off the back of the goalies skate into the net after a crossing pass from Trevor Campbell was deflected. The lead grew to 4-2 when Jordan Davis punched home the rebound of a Justin Hussar shot at 7:41, but the Bulls again drew to within one as Dan Sherer backhanded a shot behind Tirronen at 10:55. Andrew O'Leary provided some extra cushion when Brian Christie won an offensive zone draw on the penalty kill and O'Leary backhanded it home while being tripped at 17:02 and the 'Runners lead was 5-3. Brian Christie got his third assist of the game on the play. Shots were 17-11 in favor of Topeka in the middle frame.
In the third period, each team had two power plays but could not convert, and the extra attacker for the final 1:22 for Amarillo failed to deliver on the Bulls reported "guaranteed win", offered by Bulls assistant coach Rocky Russo during a Saturday night post game interview. Rasmus Tirronen stopped 24 shots in the win for Topeka.
Topeka (42-9-3) plays the remainder of their regular season on home ice beginning March 18 - 19 against St. Louis (37-13-4). The games in Topeka are set for a 7:05 pm faceoff with the pregame show beginning at 6:45 pm. Audio coverage is available at countrylegends1069.com and also in the arena at 88.9 FM, with video coverage available on pay-per-view at FASTHockey.com. Links for the broadcasts are accessible on the teams official website at topekaroadrunners.com.
ROADRUNNER RAMBLINGS
Topeka has clinched the South Division regular season title and next sets their sights on the NAHL Regular Season League Championship, losing it last season on a tiebreaker to Wenatchee by having one less win despite the same number of points. The Magic Number for the NAHL Regular Season Title is 1, and the only team mathematically alive for the honor is Fairbanks.
Andrew O'Leary's shorthanded goal was the teams 15th of the season, a new franchise record and tied for the most in the NAHL.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 14, 2011
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- Red Hot 'Runners Claim South Title - Topeka Pilots
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- NAHL Announces Players of the Week - NAHL
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- On-Ice Rivals Bulls and IceRays Team up to Hold Combined Prospect Camp - Corpus Christi IceRays
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- Save the Date: Season Ticket Holder Party - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Belfour, Lehtinen and Keane Highlight 5th Tornado Pros Vs. Prospects Game - Texas Tornado
- Bulls Put Up Solid Effort But Fall To Roadrunners 5-3 - Amarillo Bulls
- Bruins Fall to Blizzard - Austin Bruins
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