SWEEP! RUNNERS BLOW OUT TORNADO
Published on November 18, 2007 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
TOPEKA, KS - The Texas Tornado were blown out of town by the RoadRunners, who completed the 3-game sweep on Saturday with a solid 6-1 victory.
Topeka established their dominance early, piling up a 3-0 lead in the first ten minutes of the game. Jordan George buried a wrister from close range at 3:19, and Matt Hartmann snapped home a hard shot at 5:03. Defenseman Aaron Gens continued his hot streak, scoring his 5th of the year at 10:38 on a blast from the point that sent Texas goalie Thomas Callaghan to the bench, and bringing Scott Zacharias on in relief. Zacharias was quickly victimized by Matt Hartmann who buried his second goal of the game at 12:06 on the power play to put Topeka up 4-0. The RoadRunners outshot Texas 14-4 in the first period in a virtual repeat of the prior two nights, only this time with some goal production to show for their effort.
The teams traded goals in the second, with Steve Shafer netting his second of the year at 5:26 for a 5-0 lead. Texas finally scored at 13:58 when Adam Mitchell roofed a shot over the shoulder of Lyle Rocker, ending the RoadRunners streak of not allowing an even strength goal at 215:05. The Tornado emptied their tank in the second, outshooting Topeka for the first time all weekend, 12-5, but still trailed 5-1.
In the third period, Aaron Gens struck again, burying a power play goal at 12:28 for the 6-1 lead that would prove to be the final score. Lyle Rocker improves to 3-0, picking up his first win at home after posting two on the road in two starts.
Up next, the first place Wichita Falls Wildcats come to town on Nov. 23 and 24th. The RoadRunners trail Wichita Falls by 6 points with 3 games in hand.
ROADRUNNER RUMBLINGS: The three game sweep of Texas was the fifth three game sweep in 'Runners history, and the first ever against Texas. The Tornado have not been swept in a three game series at least in the last three years, which is as far back as PointStreak has archived data. It is likely the first three game sweep ever suffered by the one time powerhouse.
In 118 career games with the RoadRunners coming into this season, Aaron Gens had a grand total of 5 goals in his career. His 3rd period goal Saturday night brings his total for this season to 6 goals in just 19 games. He is on pace to score 18 this season. The RoadRunner record for goals in a single season by a defenseman is 12, set by Brandon Johnson in 2005-06. Last season, Rafael Rodriguez led the 'Runners blueliners with 6 goals in 37 games.
Saturdays "Car Bash" was a reasonable success, and a lot of fun for fans as they arrived at the game. About $200 was raised to help tornado ravaged families in Greensburg, KS. Special thanks to ItsTopeka.com and the Capital City Crushers roller derby team for their assistance in promoting the event.
The RoadRunners will look to match their all time win streak record of 7 games when they take on Wichita Falls Thanksgiving weekend. The 'Runners have a 12-4-0 record against the Wildcats all time at home.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 18, 2007
- SWEEP! RUNNERS BLOW OUT TORNADO - Topeka Pilots
- Jets weekly - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Hot goaltender steals two from Blues - Springfield Jr. Blues
- New Stars netkeeper sparkles in 2-1 win - Traverse City North Stars
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