Runners take two of three from Ice Dogs
October 16, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
[Santa Fe, NM] - The Santa Fe Roadrunners garnered 5 of 6 possible points from the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in a weekend set at the Chavez Community Center. The Ice Dogs jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the series opener, but newcomer Blake Humphrey (Alta Loma, CA) cut the lead in half, and captain John Stoddard (La Mesa, CA) tied the game at 2-2 with just over 5:00 minutes left in the game. Santa Fe was dominant in the later part of the game, outshooting Fairbanks 31-13 in the 2nd and 3rd periods, but the teams remained deadlocked at 2-2, and ultimately the game was decided in a shootout, with Fairbanks posting the 3-2 win after taking the shootout by a 2-1 margin.
Friday night, the Roadrunners came out determined to avenge the prior evenings defeat, and erupted for a 6-0 lead just past the midpoint of the game, while limiting Fairbanks to just 7 shots on goal through the first 2 periods. The Ice Dogs showed their resolve, however, by whittling away at the lead, cutting the lead to 6-3 before Tibor Kutalek (Skilica, Slovakia) buried his 11th goal of the year, and second of the night. Fairbanks added another goal late in the game, but the Roadrunners prevailed, 7-4. Nate Hennig (Macombe, MI) had a 4 point night (2g, 2a), while Kutalek and Jason Krispel (Cypress, CA) each posted 3 points in the win. Nick Hopper (Culver City, CA) went the distance for the win in the nets.
The "rubber match" on Saturday went off as expected, with both teams playing playing agressively and both goalies sharp in the net. Again, Santa Fe dominated in the shot department (aided in part by a 12-3 power play margin through 2 periods) but the game was tied at 1-1 until Ben Kinne (St. Paul, MN) flipped home a backhander for a 2-1 lead. Santa Fe was strong in the 3rd, outshooting the Ice Dogs 14-5, but it was an empty-net powerplay goal by Kinne that sealed the 3-1 win. Hopper played all three games, and improved to 9-2-1 on the year, sporting a league-best 1.61 GAA.
The Roadrunners extended their lead in the NAHL South to 5 points over St. Louis and Texas (though St. Louis would add 2 points with their Sunday win vs. Springfield). Santa Fe (9-2-2, 20 pts., 1st Place) welcomes the Alaska Avalanche (3-7-1 7 pts., 5th place) to town on Friday and Saturday nights, Oct.20 and 21 for the first meetings of 10 between the clubs this season.
ROADRUNNER NOTES: Santa Fe will debut their new 3rd jerseys this weekend when the Avalanche visit the Chavez Community Center. The jerseys are brick red with gold and navy trim in color and feature a new logo that the franchise is excited about. "The early response has been tremendous. The guys are looking forward to showing the fans the new look", said staff member Arch Ecker. (***) Forward Blake Humphrey will miss approximately two weeks with a concussion. (***) Forward Brett Coley will return to the lineup this week after rehabbing a shoulder injury. (***) Defenseman Rafael Rodriguez returned to the ice in the Fairbanks series and his presence was immediately felt. "He's such an asset back there on the blue line, especially on the power play", said head coach Scott Langer. "He's going to make a big impact on some Division I school next season".
North American Hockey League Stories from October 16, 2006
- Runners take two of three from Ice Dogs - Topeka Pilots
- IceDiggers invade Traverse City this weekend - Alpena IceDiggers
- Third Period Comebacks Vault FM Jets into First - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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