Runners Take Bulls in OT 3-2
March 18, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
There wasn't enough time in regulation to settle this one, but the Runners hunkered down in overtime to inch a little closer to the top spot in the South by beating Amarillo 3-2.
ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ The first period was penalty heavy (14 combined penalty minutes) which pitted the Runners penalty kill against the league's best power play unit three times. But the third time was the charm for the Runners as Jake Kamrass got a pass from Jerad Tafoya on a shorthanded charge to the Bulls net and made it count, giving Topeka the lead at 15:40.
ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ The Bulls managed to even things up early in the second, a Matt Sieckhaus goal coming at 3:52. And then, on yet another penalty kill, Clint Garris stole the puck across the middle and scored on a shorthanded breakaway that would give the Runners a 2-1 heading into the third.
ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ The Runners had it under control until the final minute of the game when they were whistled for too many men on the ice. On the ensuing power play, Amarillo pulled their goalie for an extra attacker and a two-man advantage. The gambit worked, allowing Tyler Gernhoffer to slap in the tying goal with only 33 seconds remaining.
ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ In overtime, it was the Runners who had the edge with a power play spilling over from the final seconds of regulation. Just 52 seconds into the extra frame, James Ring collected the game winner and another point in the standings for Topeka. The Runners now trail Amarillo by three points and can close that gap to one on Tuesday night. With five games left in the regular season, Topeka continues to hang in the race for the regular season division crown.
ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ Tuesday night's game is Family Fun Night. Fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas for only $4. Parking for game will be free. To get your 4 for $44 voucher, visit the Expocentre Box Office. ÃÂ
ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ 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. ÃÂ
ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ 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 and 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. ÃÂ
ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ ÃÂ For more information on tickets to these games and purchasing 2014-2015 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 18, 2014
- Brevig Named to Big Ten All-Freshman Team - Brookings Blizzard
- Final Series of the Year Next Weekend - Brookings Blizzard
- Jr. Blues Cook up Supper - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Wild Goaltender Makes College Committment - Wenatchee Wild
- Runners Take Bulls in OT 3-2 - Topeka Pilots
- Peter Halash Jersey Retirement Night Saturday - Topeka Pilots
- Playoff Tickets Available - Aberdeen Wings
- Heller, Roo Honored by the NAHL - Aberdeen Wings
- Bulls Rally Ends in 3-2 OT Loss to Topeka - Amarillo Bulls
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