NAHL Topeka Pilots

'Runners Forward Fernsler Living in the Moment

Published on January 30, 2015 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release


The Topeka RoadRunners were playing their final home game in a stretch where they had played 18 of 20 on home ice. Veteran forward Jasen Fernsler knew how important it was for his team to finish strong, as they were going to play all but 4 of their last 18 on the road. He had scored a power play goal to give his team a 2-1 lead, but the visiting Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees had tied it up, and the game ended up going to a shootout. "One of the things I love about this team is we never panic", Fernsler said. "We have a great bunch of guys who have been through a lot together, and we have confidence that no matter what, we can find a way." On this night, it was Fernsler himself who found a way, as he was the only shooter to score in the shootout, giving his team the 3-2 win to complete the weekend sweep and notch the clubs 30th win of the year. "I was sitting on the bench as the shootout began, and I just took a moment to soak it all in. The crowd was fired up, and the vibe on the bench was so positive", he recalled. "It's a great feeling to be a part of this amazing group of players. I just wanted to fully appreciate that moment in time."

Fernsler is more than just a "part", as he is currently tied for the team lead in points (43), leads the NAHL in power play assists (18), and recently rattled off a string of 11 consecutive games with a point, tied for the league high this season. He wears an "A" on his sweater as an assistant captain, an honor he doesn't take lightly. "Being selected as one of the leaders on this team means a lot to me. So many great players and leaders have put on a RoadRunner jersey over the years and being nominated means you have to uphold that tradition in the best possible way you can." He added, "I've come to understand that being a team is not just about a collection of good players. It runs much deeper than that, and I'm honored to help lead our younger players as they grow, as well."

Hailing from Charlotte, MI, Fernsler found hockey at a young age. "I got started playing hockey at the age of 5", he explained. "My older brother Jared and I went to go sign up for indoor soccer, we saw the ice rink and from that moment we both knew what we wanted to do." He enjoyed playing the game, as many youth players do, but had no idea how much the game would change his life. "I never knew much about junior hockey until I was 16 or 17 years old. The first time I realized I might have the potential to play at this level was my first year of AAA hockey with the Capital Center Pride, playing for Ron Gay." From there, he advanced to the NAPHL's Lansing Capitals, and then played a season for the Belle Tire program where he began drawing interest from NAHL clubs. "I was recruited by Amarillo but it wasn't a good fit. I feel so blessed to have found a home in Topeka. I couldn't be happier."

A solid student who made the Honor Roll in high school, Fernsler has a good idea of what direction he'd like to go in college. "I would like to major in either business or psychology", he explained. "No matter what I go into, I want to try to help people live a better life, to make a difference in somebody's life and even in the way they live their life."

The NAHL's premier event for bringing players and colleges together is the Top Prospects Tournament, scheduled this year on Feb.23 and 24 in Ann Arbor, MI. Fernsler and six of his teammates as well as his Head Coach Scott Langer will participate. "It's a great honor to be selected to Top Prospects. To represent the South Division and the Topeka RoadRunners is very special to me." Keeping with his 'team first' philosophy, he adds, "More importantly, we are taking 6 other players to the tournament. This year has proven that going farther together as a team is better than going fast individually." He's twice been named the NAHL South Division Star of the Week, but he has his eyes on a bigger prize. "We have a goal, as a team, and we are embracing the process to reach that goal."

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North American Hockey League Stories from January 30, 2015


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