Runners Roll To Shutout Victory Over Michigan
September 19, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka RoadRunners used a mix of penalty killing prowess and power play efficiency to post their second consecutive shutout victory, a 4-0 win over the Michigan Warriors on Friday evening at the Schwan's Super Rink in Blaine, MN at the NAHL Showcase.
It was a scoreless battle until the second period at 2:11 when Mike Gornall lifted home a centering feed from Jasen Fernsler on the power play for the 1-0 lead. That score still stood at the end of two periods in no small part due to some excellent goaltending by Michigan's Trevor Gorsuch. Topeka had outshot the Warriors 21-12 after two periods.
In the third period, Topeka pulled ahead quickly, as Will Scherer finished off a slick 2-on-1 break assisted by Gornall and Daniel Rzavsky at 1:15. At 10:31, Beau Dommer's strong forecheck set up a scoring chance for Cam Strong and he capitalized for a 3-0 lead. And in the final minute of play, a WIllie Brown wrap around power play goal provided the final margin of victory. Matej Tomek was solid again, posting his 2nd shutout in three appearances this season, making 19 saves.
The victory was not without its costs, as injuries hit the 'Runners hard over the course of the game. They will have just under 24 to convalesce, a timely blessing given the scheduling of the Showcase. Topeka will face the Kenai River Brown Bears at 6:45 pm CDT on Saturday to wrap up their 2014 Showcase schedule. Fans can see all of the action in Topeka at Skinny's Sports Bar & Grill and Sports Radio 1490 KTOP will be broadcasting the call of the game.
North American Hockey League Stories from September 19, 2014
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