Runners Stun Bulls, Complete Sweep
March 19, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
Topeka is now only one point behind division-leading Amarillo after taking both games of the series against the Bulls after a 1-0 shutout win at Landon Arena Tuesday night.
The win was the seventh-straight victory for the Runners over the Bulls since losing their first five to their bitter rival to start the season. James Ring was the hero in this one when, after goaltender PJ Bridges was pulled for an extra attacker, he fought a rebound into the net (assisted by Michal Uhrik) at 14:03 of the second period. That game winner was Ring's second in as many games and his fourth of the season.
From there, the defense took over and limited Amarillo to single-digit shot totals in each period. PJ Bridges did the rest, stopping all 21 shots on net to collect his 10th shutout of the season. Bridges record in net moved to 24-4-3 and 7-2-0 against the Bulls.
The win not only shortened the distance to the division crown, it also created more distance between the Runners and the third-place Killer Bees. Whether or not Topeka can surpass Amarillo, securing home ice in the first round is still a top priority. Four games remain in the regular season with the Bulls facing Wichita Falls and Odessa, the Killer Bees facing Corpus Christi, and the Runners facing Springfield and Wichita Falls.
This weekend, the Runners take on the Springfield Junior Blues in a Friday/Saturday series that will mark the teams last at home for the regular season. Friday night, It's Reggie the Roadrunners' Birthday Bash and all of Reggie's mascot friends will be on hand to celebrate! There will be cake, mascot games, and more.
Saturday night, the team will honor Peter Halash by retiring his jersey in a pregame ceremony that will begin promptly at 7pm. The team will be wearing special Firefighter themed jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game with proceeds benefiting volunteer firefighters. The Girl Scouts will be in the house as well with their world famous cookies. To purchase $9 tickets to help benefit the Girl Scouts, contact the Girls Scouts of NE Kansas and MW Missouri.
Also this weekend, the Topeka Capitals will be hosting the NA3HL South Division Finals against the Dallas Junior Stars. The games are set for Friday and Saturday at 3pm (Landon Arena) and Sunday at 10am (Kansas City Ice Center). Admission and parking to the Capitals games will be free. For more information on tickets to these games and purchasing 2014-2015 RoadRunners season tickets (now on sale), call 785-286-PUCK or visit www.topekaroadrunners.com .
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North American Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2014
- First-Round Playoff Tickets Available at McMorran Arena Box Office - Port Huron Fighting Falcons
- Runners Stun Bulls, Complete Sweep - Topeka Pilots
- 2014-15 Season Tickets on Sale - Soo Eagles
- Tauros Prospects Come in from Minnesota - Minot Minotauros
- Bulls Fall to RoadRunners 1-0 - Amarillo Bulls
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