Runners up 2-0 Heading to Rio
April 7, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
Two down, one to go.The RoadRunnersmade the most of their home-ice over the weekend,overcoming the Killer Bees each night on their way to a 2-0 series lead.
On Friday, Jasen Fernsler tallied the first goal of the postseason for Topeka at 17:02 of the first (assisted by Willie Brown and Daniel Rzavsky). Following a cross-checking call against Rio Grande in the second, Jake Kamrass doubled the lead with a power play goal at 14:04 (assisted by Tyler Poulsen and Cody Champagne) and the Runners led 2-0 heading into the third. Marcus Ericsson put the Bees within striking distance with at netter halfway through the final period but it was as close as they were going to get. Kamrass struck again, stealing the puck in the neutral zone and firing it over goaltender Nick Schmit's shoulder from between the faceoff circles to salt away a 3-1 victory.
In Game Two, it was Rio who struck first with Evan Schmidbauer's at 9:57 of the second. Moments later on a power play, James Ring knotted the contest at one-a-piece (assisted by Ryan Polin and Tyler Poulsen at 11:23) and it was 1-1 leading into the third. The final period ended up being not so final, necessitating a 20 minute overtime period. The Runners only needed six minutes to end the affair, Tyler Poulsen finding the net on another power play (assisted by Ryan Polin and Tomas Nechala).
The best-of-five series moves to Rio Grande Valley for Game Three on Wednesday night at 7pm. If necessary, Game Four will be Thursday night and, if things remain square,Game Five on April 14th back at Landon Arena. The winner of this series will take on either Amarillo or Wichita Falls in the South Division Finals. The Bulls have the edge at the moment after taking both games at home.
Every game of the 2013-2014 postseason can be heard live on Sports Radio1490 KTOP. Tickets for upcoming playoff games can be purchased at the Expocentre Box Office or by calling 785-286-PUCK. 2014-2015 RoadRunners Season Tickets are now on-sale as well.Take advantage of the amazing deals and benefits of being a part of RoadRunner Nation by calling 785-286-7825 or by visiting www.topekaroadrunners.com .
• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...
North American Hockey League Stories from April 7, 2014
- Fighting Falcons Take 2-0 Lead in First Round Series - Port Huron Fighting Falcons
- Wilderness Stay Alive, Take Game 3 - Minnesota Wilderness
- Wenatchee Takes 2-0 Series Lead - Minnesota Wilderness
- Runners up 2-0 Heading to Rio - Topeka Pilots
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.
