Roadrunners shine at NAHL Showcase
Published on September 18, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Santa Fe Roadrunners got off to a rollicking start in the new season, posting a near-perfect 3-0-1 record in the NAHL Showcase Tournament in Blaine, MN. The Roadrunners were dominant in the first game against Bismarck on Wednesday, pumping in 5 first period goals enroute to a 5-0 lead, and ultimately an 8-0 win. Nick Hopper went the distance for the shutout victory. On Thursday, the Roadrunners shifted the lineup a bit, and ended up losing a heartbreaker in overtime to the Mahoning Valley Phantoms. The game-winning goal deflected off the leg of a Roadrunner defenseman on a shot from the right point, providing the 5-4 margin. On Friday, the Roadrunners faced a strong Traverse City North Stars squad, and uncharacteristically surrendered 3 PPG's, but still managed a 4-3 victory. Saturday morning, the Roadrunners faced the Fargo-Moorhead Jets for the first time in franchise history, and set the tone with 3 first period goals as they cruised to a 4-0 win, with Nick Hopper picking up his 3rd win and 2nd shutout of the Showcase.
The Roadrunners return from Blaine sporting the best record in the NAHL South (3-0-1 7 pts). They have a fearsome powerplay success rate of 26.82%, best in the league. The top two lines, loaded with veterans, performed as advertised, with 14 goals and 17 assists racked up in the 4 games. The Roadrunners got scoring punch from the blue line as well, with 3 goals and 11 assists coming from the defense. Four Roadrunners (Jason Krispel, Tibor Kutalek, Nate Hennig, and Rafael Rodriguez) are tied for the team scoring lead with 6 pts. apiece. Goaltender Nick Hopper was stellar as he posted 3 wins and a stingy 1.00 GAA, including two shutout wins.
The Santa Fe Roadrunners will put their first place record on the line this Friday night when the Texas Tornado come to the Genoveva Chavez Community Center. Historically, the Roadrunners have struggled with Texas, going just 3-6-2 in home games vs. the Tornado (6-12-3 overall) since moving to Santa Fe. Game time is set for 7:05 pm, and hopes are high for a record crowd at the game. The new mascot will be unveiled, revamped intermission entertainment will be introduced, and an overall upgrade to the evening events are expected.
Reserve your seats by purchasing online at http://www.santaferoadrunners.com/tickets/single_tickets.php . Your tickets will be available at Will Call upon arrival at the game.
The Roadrunners homestand continues with a Saturday evening rematch with Texas, followed the next weekend by a pair of games with Wichita Falls. All games will be heard on local radio station "1400 AM, KVSF, Santa Fe's ESPN", as well as online through www.sportsjuice.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from September 18, 2006
- Roadrunners shine at NAHL Showcase - Topeka Pilots
- Willms, Ritter named NAHL Players of the Week - NAHL
- Bobcats Scratch to 3-1 in Showcase - Bismarck Bobcats
- Team USA wins NAHL Showcase Tournament - NAHL
- Innovative Promotions Enhance FM Jets' Home Schedule - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- FM Jets Start Season with 2-2 Record at Showcase - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Phantoms drop Showcase finale - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
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