RoadRunners ready for opening weekend
Published on September 23, 2008 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
TOPEKA, KS, SEP 23, 2008: The defending South Division Champion Topeka RoadRunners open the home portion of their season this weekend as they host the Springfield Jr. Blues for two games, Friday and Saturday at Landon Arena.
The festivities begin on Friday with a BBQ Contest in the Expocentre parking lot, sponsored and hosted by the Topeka Hockey Booster Club. Friday nights game is the official "Home Opener", where all players are introduced prior to the Opening Faceoff, and championship banners will be hung. Players will wear specially designed Home Opener jerseys with a limited edition patch commemorating the teams first Division Championship. After the game, it's "Skate With The RoadRunners". On Saturday, it's Day 2 of the BBQ contest. Topeka's own 11-year old Lexi Geier will sing the National Anthem as one of her last appearances before moving to Atlanta to pursue her recording career. After the game, there will be a live auction of the Game Worn jerseys.
The 'Runners season officially began last Wednesday at the NAHL Showcase Tournament in Blaine, MN. Topeka claimed the tournament championship, winning all 4 games and placing 2 players on the All-Tournament Team. Lyle Rocker led all league goalies with a 2-0-0 record, a 0.50 goals against average, and a save percentage of .978. Jordan George led all Topeka skaters with 8 points. Alec Hagaman scored a goal in each game, one of only two players in the league to do so.
Topeka's 4-0-0 record to start the season was matched by division rival Wichita Falls. The 'Runners opponent this weekend, the Springfield Jr. Blues went 2-2-0 at the Showcase, and are currently 4th in the 4-team South Division.
The RoadRunners are 13-7-3 all time against the Jr. Blues, and are 8-3-2 at home. Last year, Topeka won both home games against Springfield, 2-1 in a shootout, and 3-1 the following night.
Fans will spot a familiar name on the Jr. Blues roster. Zack Kamrass is the younger brother of 2 year RoadRunner forward Josh Kamrass. Josh is attending the University of Wisconsin - River Falls and playing hockey for the Falcons. Josh Kamrass holds the RoadRunners franchise record for career assists (79) and is tied for the record in career points (121) with Corey Stark.
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