NAHL Topeka Pilots

'Runners Squeeze out Shootout Victory for Sweep

Published on December 10, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release


The Topeka RoadRunners never led in Saturday's game until the final shot, but that was enough to seal a 3-2 shootout win over Wichita Falls on Saturday night in Landon Arena.

Wichita Falls got on the board first when Renato Engler slid a rebound past Peter Traber at 10:59 of the first period, and goalie Matt Leon made it stand up through 20 minutes as Topeka was unable to find the net despite outshooting the 'Cats 9-5. The 'Runners were getting chances but struggled somewhat as passes were off just a touch, or rebounds bounced just out of reach. Topeka fought through it and tied the game at 6:59 of the second period when Kyle Sharkey ended a 13-game scoring drought, redirecting a Kevin Patterson shot past Matt Leon. The Wildcats retook the lead at 10:24 of the second on an Adam Barlow shot from the left point through traffic that found the top corner and Wichita Falls once again led, 2-1.

In the third period, Topeka started shorthanded but killed off the penalty, finishing a perfect 8/8 killing penalties on the weekend. The 'Runners failed to convert on their fifth power play chance but when they were given a sixth chance with 6:42 to play, they were determined to make the most of it. Calling a time out in the middle of the power play, the 'Runners coaching staff crafted a strategy that paid immediate dividends. Topeka won a defensive zone draw and advanced into the Wildcat zone. Brian Christie from the left wing snapped a pass up toRyan White at the midpoint, and his shot was turned aside by Leon but Kevin Patterson was driving the net in the event of a rebound, which lay directly in front of him. Patterson lunged forward and punched the shot home to tie the game with 5:20 left to play. Each team had a couple of decent opportunities but the third period concluded with a 2-2 deadlock. The five minute overtime was largely dominated by Topeka but the 'Cats had a couple of huge chances also. This game was headed for a shootout.

On paper, Topeka was 0 for 2 in shootouts and Wichita Falls was 2-0. The two goalies put on a show, sending the shootout eleven rounds before declaring a winner, but it never should have gone that far. Topeka was up 2-1 in the shootout on goals by Sean Gaffney and Kyle Sharkey, both of whom slipped shots through the pads of Leon. Wichita Falls fifth shooter, Jakob Batcha had to score or the game was over. As Batcha advanced on the net, goalie Peter Traber reached out with his stick and poke checked the puck as Batcha shot, but Batcha took a second swipe and knocked the puck in. Shootout rules prohibit a second shot opportunity, but inexplicably the goal was allowed to stand. The two goalies combined to deny the next dozen shooters before Topeka called on James Ring who ripped a shot through the five-hole for the clinching goal.

Topeka (18-10-2) remains 4 points behind the second place Texas Tornado who defeated Corpus Christi 5-3 in Frisco, TX on Saturday. The 'Runners will head to Dodge City on Wednesday for an exhibition game with the Wenatchee Wild (13-8-4), who dropped a 2-1 decision in Odessa Saturday night. Wenatchee will make their second ever visit to Topeka on Friday and Saturday, the final games before the NAHL Christmas break. Live coverage of all three games will be available on countrylegends1069.com, with the weekend games also available on Pay-Per-View with FASTHockey.com.

Check out the Topeka Pilots Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Hockey League Stories from December 10, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central