'Runners Outlast Mustangs in 6-5 Win
Published on October 24, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
For the second night in a row, Topeka entered the games final 3 minutes shorthanded and protecting a one goal lead. After dropping Friday's contest in a shootout, Topeka held on Saturday for a 6-5 win in regulation. taking 3 of 4 points in the weekend series in New Mexico.
New Mexico got off to a quick start when a pass ricocheted off a 'Runners skate to the waiting stick of Mustang forward Adam Chapie, who buried it just :24 seconds into the game for a 1-0 lead. The 'Runners answered back when James Ring netted his first of the year, a quick snapshot upstairs at 1:45 to tie it up. Jake Lynes muscled a low, hard shot under the pad of the goalie at 11:55 and Topeka had their first lead. At 12:38, the Mustangs tied it up as a shot from the right point was denied by Peter Traber but the rebound caromed right to the open side of the net where Evan Johnston put it in. The first period ended tied at 2 goals aside.
The 'Runners jumped on top quickly to start the second, asJames Ring tucked his second of the night through the pads of Mustang goalie Randy Graham only :28 seconds into the period while on a 4-on-3 power play. At 1:51, Andrew O'Leary, who for the night was moved back on defense, fired a shorthanded blast from the left point that careened into the net off a Mustang player in front and Topeka suddenly led, 4-2. At 4:54, the Mustangs cut the lead in half on a power play blast from Taylor Ward, a one-timer from the right wing circle. Late in the period, at 19:22 Ward struck again, his second of the night to tie the game at 4-4 after 2. Topeka had outshot New Mexico 30-12 through two periods.
The 'Runners got the go-ahead goal from Dan Dupell, a top shelf snipe from the low slot assisted by Ryan White and Jake Lynes at 10:17, then added a valuable insurance tally when Kyle Sharkey picked off a pass and walked into the New Mexico zone with defenders all around and still rifled a shot in the top corner for a 6-4 lead at 11:36. Less than a minute later, Adam Chapie got around a 'Runners defenseman who lost an edge at the blue line and ripped a shot over the blocker of Traber to close the gap to 6-5 with 7:47 left to play.
The previous night, the 'Runners were up by a goal in the third period, and were penalized with 3:12 to play. On this night, in the third period, up by a goal, Topeka was penalized with 3:13 left to play. Unlike Friday where the Mustang power play yielded a game tying goal, on Saturday Topeka battled through the penalty kill and the extra attacker when Graham raced to the bench for a 6-on-4 skater advantage and the 'Runners posted a hard fought 6-5 win in their only visit to New Mexico this season. The win moved the 'Runners into third place in the NAHL South.
Topeka (8-5-2) next travels to Odessa (5-6-2) for the first time ever and only time this season for a pair of games, on Thursday and Saturday. Topeka will also play a Sunday game in Amarillo on the way back as their 10-game road trip continues. With the trip half way complete, the 'Runners are 2-2-1 through the first five games. Both games in Odessa start at 7:05 pm, and the Sunday game in Amarillo starts at 6:00 pm.
North American Hockey League Stories from October 24, 2011
- Lant Named Assistant Captain - Wenatchee Wild
- NAHL Announces Combat Hockey 3 Stars of the Week - NAHL
- 'Runners Outlast Mustangs in 6-5 Win - Topeka Pilots
- Offense Limited In Weekend Sweep - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Jr. K-Wings Weekly - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- Former Tornado Defenseman Representing USA in Germany - Texas Tornado
- Topeka Blueliner Commits To U-Conn - Topeka Pilots
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