'Runners Lead Team South to Day 1 Win
February 21, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The starting lineup issued by Scott Langer for Team South in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament on Day 1 against Team North had a distinct RoadRunner flavor as all 5 Topeka players were introduced, along with defenseman Ralfs Freibergs (Texas). Team South took a 1-0 lead when Nate Milam deflected a Chris Leone (Wichita Falls) shot at 3:35 of the first period. Leone later sprung Milam up the right wing on a 2-on-1 break that Milam dished to Justin Hussar who backhanded it home for a 2-0 lead at 6:59. Eric Rohrkemper faced 13 first period shots and stopped them all, with Team South leading 2-0 at the end of 1.
In the second period, the RoadRunners players continued to make their presence felt as defenseman Trevor Campbell teamed with Beau Walker (Corpus Christi) to assist Brian Christie at 8:57 for a 3-0 lead. Midway through the frame, Team South made a predetermined goalie switch bringing in Steve Bolton (Traverse City), relieving Eric Rohrkemper who stopped all 19 shots he faced. Team North got on the board at 14:16 when Steve Brancheau (Motor City) scored assisted by teammate and NAHL leading scorer Cody Wydo (Motor City) and former teammate RJ Kleiman (St. Louis). Team South regained the three goal edge when Nathan Sliwinski (Texas) scored less than a minute later at the 15:00 mark, assisted by Texas Tornado teammates Jackson Leef and Jack Prince. Team South led 4-1 after two periods, though Team North had outshot Team South 25-21.
In the third period the North created a few more quality chances but the South did, likewise. Neither side could score, and the 4-1 margin proved to be the final. Justin Hussar gets the Game Winning goal as all five RoadRunner skaters got on the scoresheet. Not a single penalty was called on either team.
Team South (1-0-0) faces Team Central Monday evening at 6:30 EST.
North American Hockey League Stories from February 21, 2011
- Opie Scores Two in Team North Win - Traverse City North Stars
- Bulls Stay Busy In Community On Weekend Off - Amarillo Bulls
- Tornado blow past Wildcats - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- 'Runners Lead Team South to Day 1 Win - Topeka Pilots
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