'Runners Fine Tune Roster at Trade Deadline
February 7, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka RoadRunners made roster moves at the NAHL Trade Deadline that welcome two new players to Topeka as the team heads down the stretch run to the postseason.
One of the new RoadRunners is forward Pat Conte, acquired from the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. The 5'11", 190 lb. forward led his team in scoring with 31 goals and 28 assists, playing in all 48 games. "Pat is a very dynamic two-way player", said Head Coach / GM
Scott Langer. "He plays with an edge and brings the ability to put up points." Conte played three seasons for the Jr. Sabres in his hometown of Buffalo, NY, and as a '91 birth year has one more year of junior eligibility after this season.
Also joining the RoadRunners is forward Jake Lynes who played in 28 games for the USHL's Lincoln Stars. "Jake is a player we've been targeting since last season", said Langer. "He adds size, vision, and the ability to score." The 6'2", 178 pounder from Ellicott City, MD had signed a tender with the RoadRunners but opted for the USHL. Like Conte, he will have a year of eligibility remaining after this season.
"At the end of the day, we are looking to bring a championship to Topeka ", Langer said. "These moves have been made to add depth to our roster for the Cup run." To make room for Conte and Lynes, the 'Runners moved Kevin Novakovich (who has opted for season ending shoulder surgery),
Jordan Robertson (traded to the Seattle Totems of the NorPac Hockey League), and Alex Vazquez (who has returned to his former team, the Yellowstone Quake in the NorPac Hockey League). "Each of those players contributed to bringing our team to the point we are today and we wish them the best as their careers continue."
Conte and Lynes arrived in Topeka Monday and will be in action when the RoadRunners face the New Mexico Mustangs in a three game series this weekend.
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