RoadRunners Over Bandits, First Time in St Louis
January 9, 2009 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The term "I-70 Showdown" or has been used over the years to describe the rivalry that exists between teams located in Kansas and Missouri along I-70. However, you would have to dust off a few history books to find two teams that became heated rivals so fast as the Topeka Roadrunners and the St. Louis Bandits. Topeka, in it's second year in Kansas and the Bandits who are back in the South Division after spending one year in the North. The two teams have been trading the top spot in the south division based on points for the better part of the season. Each team seemingly pushing the other to win and drive up the points total. Going into the game on Friday night, the two teams were tied with 57 points. The highest point leader in the remainder of the league, the North Division with 45. Add into the fact that the RoadRunners franchise have never won against the Bandits while in St Louis, you have the formula for a weekend series with a lot on the line.
Defensive standout Caleb Wolfgram wasted little time in taking advantage of a power play early on putting Topeka up when the puck came from Steve Shafer and Alec Hagaman at the 2:43 mark in the first period. It would be St Louis however that would win the shots on goal for the period at 10-8. NAHL Goalie of the month for December Bryce Merriam was able to keep Topeka on top.
Jordan George has been solid all year, going into the game tied for second in the league for scoring. He inched a little closer to taking back the top spot with a goal in the second period at 6:37 with help from Andy Inderieden and Caleb Wolfgram. St Louis would cut the lead before taking a second intermission. Topeka defense shined though allowing only 4 shots on goal, while taking 11 at the Bandits net.
Andy Inderieden continues to contribute to Topeka, he joined the RoadRunners while they were en route to Alaska last month, this time scoring at 1:26 with a pass from Andrew Blazek and Jordan George. St Louis would not let their home streak against the RoadRunners die, scoring goals at 5:09 and on a power play at 10:45 to send the game to overtime.
The overtime period saw Topeka shoot 4 at goal to St Louis' 2. Both goalies were perfect and after five minutes, it was time for a shootout.
Bryce Merriam was blunt when speaking about his two OTL that came in December "It shouldn't of happened." When he was congratulated for winning Goalie of the Month for December. Tonight, he got a chance to redeem one of those losses. Bryce turned away 4 out of 5 shots in the shootout. On the other end of the Olympic sized ice in Chesterfield, Missouri....Alec Hagaman and Jordan George each slipped a puck, finally breaking the streak.
Notes on Standings.
With the OT win Topeka captures two points to St Louis' one point. Giving Topeka yet another position at the top of the South Division. The same two teams will meet again on Saturday night.
Jordan George with his plus two performance and St Louis' Andrew Hamburg not being able to get a point, George has tied the League Points leader at 46.
Bryce Merriam maintains his top spot for goal tenders for the league with an impressive save percentage .933 and a goals against average of 1.68.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2009
- RoadRunners Over Bandits, First Time in St Louis - Topeka Pilots
- Phantoms Hold Off Machine, Win 5-3 - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Rangers Upend T.C. - Marquette Rangers
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