'Runners Skate by Odess in 4-2 Win
October 28, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka RoadRunners began the second half of their 10-game road trip by defeating the Odessa Jackalopes 4-2 on Thursday night in West Texas.
The RoadRunners turned to goaltender Brandon Reagan, giving him his first start of the season. He was spotted a 1-0 lead at 15:34 of the first when Sean Gaffney won a clean faceoff draw back to Ben Bahe who snapped it upstairs, his 4th goal of the season. Odessa outshot Topeka 12-10 in the first period, but Topeka held the 1-0 edge.
In the second period, the 'Runners netted a power play goal as Robbie Davis flipped a power play goal home at 8:08 on a rebound of a Dan Dupell scoring attempt, set up by Chris Bond. Odessa got on the board at 11:18 when Chad Hennum punched home a puck from the side of the crease, cutting the 'Runners lead to 2-1. Topeka regained their 2-goal advantage when Sean Gaffney ripped a hard shot low on the blocker side from the top of the circles at 14:51, assisted by Bahe and Kevin Patterson. Topeka manhandled Odessa in the second period, with a 20-8 shots advantage and heading to the locker room with a 3-1 lead.
In the final frame, Topeka added some breathing room as Kyle Sharkey stuffed in the rebound of a Linus Johansson blast that flatsided off the glass behind the Odessa net. The goal, scored at 5:59 of the third made it a 4-1 Topeka lead. Odessa added another power play goal when Jalen Krogman snuck in behind the 'Runners defense, streaking in alone to slide home a five hole score to make it a 2 goal game, but the 'Runners held on for the 4-2 win. Brandon Reagan stopped 27 of 29 shots picking up
Topeka (9-5-2) and Odessa (5-7-2) meet again on Saturday night at 7:05 at the Ector County Coliseum. With Thursday's win, Topeka moves into second place in the NAHL South, just two points behind the Amarillo Bulls. The 'Runners and Bulls square off on Sunday at 6:00 in Amarillo.
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- 'Runners Skate by Odess in 4-2 Win - Topeka Pilots
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