'Runners Post Win in Springfield
Published on November 5, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
With the Topeka RoadRunners ten game, 5,200 mile road odyssey making it's final stop in Springfield, IL, the 'Runners faced a red-hot Jr. Blues club and skated off with a 4-2 win on Friday night at the Nelson Center.
After a dismal outing in Amarillo just 5 days prior, the RoadRunners were anxious to get off to a good start against the Jr. Blues, winners of 3 straight coming into the weekend. Topeka dominated the first period against a Springfield team that was also clearly fired up to keep their streak alive. A very brisk and energetic first period concluded with neither side able to score.
The 'Runners took the lead early in the second period, when Robbie Davis redirected a Ryan White shot on the power play just :58 seconds into the frame with Dan Dupell also collecting an assist. Springfield was able to tie the game at 1-1 at 8:07 on a high slot blast from Mike Williams that sailed under the crossbar. Topeka, however, retook a lead they would not relinquish when Ryan White drove into the Jr. Blues zone, got the puck to Dan Dupell who tried to jam it in from the side of the crease but the puck popped across where Ben Bahe buried it for the 2-1 edge at 18:08.
Topeka's lead grew to 3-1 midway through the third as Trace Strahle launched a seeing-eye dart from the right point at 11:02, with an assist going to Ryan White, his third of the game. At 13:59, Springfield veteran Stewart Bell was ejected from the game and issued a Deliberate Injury Match Penalty (which will also carry a suspension) after ramming Mick Bruce from behind into the end boards, crumpling Bruce and earning a scrap with Kyle Sharkey. On the ensuing five minute major power play. Ryan White entered the Jr. Blues zone on the left wing, got knocked down, got back, regained the puck and blistered a shot in the top corner for a 4-1 lead at 15:38. Still on the power play at 16:22, Topeka suffered a miscommunication at the blue line and Kyle Cook pounced to create a breakaway that he buried to make it 4-2, but in the end, that would be the final margin. White finished the game with a goal and three assists, while Dan Dupell added three assists of his own. Josh Hillegas made 19 saves, improving to 5-0-2 on the year.
Topeka (11-6-2) and Springfield (7-10-0) meet again Saturday night, the final game of Topeka's longest road trip in franchise history. Having played 18 of 20 on the road, the 'Runners will play 20 of their next 24 games in the Kansas Expocentre. The 'Runners are 5-3-1 on their current trip. Jake Kamrass played his first Junior A game, wearing #10 as his brother Josh Kamrass wore in Topeka in 2007-08, and skating in Springfield where another brother, Zack Kamrass played in 2008-09.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 5, 2011
- Odessa goaltender stops NAHL season-high 61 shots in loss - Odessa Jackalopes
- Topeka - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Warriors Drop Series in Jamestown - Michigan Warriors
- Kalamazoo Loses Second in a Row and First at Home - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- Topeka's in Town - Springfield Jr. Blues
- 'Runners Post Win in Springfield - Topeka Pilots
- Wild's Winning Streak Snapped - Wenatchee Wild
- Bulls ride pair of second period tallies to victory - Odessa Jackalopes
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