'Runners top Bulls 3-2, Friday
September 7, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka RoadRunners answered the bell in their first preseason test against NAHL talent, defeating the Amarillo Bulls 3-2 on Friday night in Landon Arena.
Topeka got on the board first when Kevin Novakovich tucked in a wraparound at 13:55 on the powerplay after Micheal Hill's doorstep shot had been turned aside. The 'Runner's led 1-0 at the break.
On Topeka's fifth power play of the game, Michael Hill scored at 8:37 of the second period, assisted by Novakovich and Jacob Poe. Amarillo cut the lead in half at 14:42 when Zack Smoot found Mitch Rogge alone in front on a Bulls power play at the score stood at 2-1 after 2.
In the third period, just 1:03 into the frame Rogge struck again, beating Eric Rohrkemper with a low blocker side shot from the slot to even the score at 2-2. Topeka took the lead for good when Jordan Davis blasted a shot through the right arm and body of Bulls goalie Nikifor Szczerba with jusy 5:54 to play, a laser launched from above the top of the circles. A late slashing call on the Bulls impeded their comeback attempt, though they still managed to pull Szczerba for the extra attacker for the final :30. Rohrkemper and the RoadRunners withstood the onslaught and held on for the 3-2 preseason win. Head Coach Scott Langer felt good about the contest, saying, "Playing against NAHL talent in the preseason isn't something we've been able to do much in the past. Tonight was a great learning experience and helped us as coaches identify strengths and weaknesses that don't always show up in a practice environment."
The 'Runners wrap up the two game set with Amarillo Saturday night before facing the Alumni Team on Sunday at noon.
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North American Hockey League Stories from September 7, 2010
- 'Runners blank Bulls 5-0 Saturday - Topeka Pilots
- 'Runners top Bulls 3-2, Friday - Topeka Pilots
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