Veterans prove to be driving force in Roadrunners' early success
Published on November 12, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
With the outstanding play of some key veterans, the Roadrunners are off to a good start.
Leading the way, Andrew Goberstein has 21 points and is tied for 11th among league leading scorers. "Goberstein's hard work in the summer has paid off in a big way. Andrew spent his entire summer attending camps and building strength," says head coach Scott Langer. "His commitment to improving has helped him off to an early jump in the statistical column, and has greatly benefited the Roadrunners early success."
Veteran goaltender, Ryan Hatch, has been the backbone for the Roadrunners thus far this season. "Ryan has been the best player on the ice in every game he has played so far this season," says Langer. With a record of 8-3-2 and a save percentage of .912, Hatch is consistently among the top for league leading goalies. "Hatch is a big time goaltender and has caught the eyes of many Division I schools," he adds.
The play of veteran defenseman, Bryan Plaszcz, has been nothing short of impressive. Bryan has logged 35 minutes a game for the Roadrunners early on. "Bryan has the ability to make the jump to college hockey next season and be an every nighter. Selfishly I would love to have him back, his character and personality is second to none," says Langer. This season Plaszcz has added an offensive presence to his game, which has increased his visibility to Division I College coaches.
In addition, the Roadrunners have added veteran defenseman Luke Buetow and forward Drew O'Connell to the roster. "Luke has brought veteran leadership to the team since arriving, as well as adding a physical aspect to the Roadrunners line up," he says. "O'Connell has added depth to the line up and will be looked upon for leadership." Buetow was acquired from the Springfield Jr. Blues and O'Connell from the Erie Otters of the OHL.
The Roadrunners came away with two wins against the Springfield Jr. Blues in a three- game road trip this past weekend, the 1-0 loss coming in the final game against the Springfield Spirit on Sunday. The Roadrunners finish out the month of November with two home series against the Spirit, and a road trip to Texas with games scheduled against the Texas Tornado and Central Texas Marshals.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 12, 2004
- Veterans prove to be driving force in Roadrunners' early success - Topeka Pilots
- IceDiggers acquire forward Zimmerman from OHL - Alpena IceDiggers
- Bulls jump into first - Billings Bulls
- Solid goaltending gives Spirit four-point weekend - Alaska Avalanche
- Bandits begin home webcasts - St. Louis Bandits
- 'Horns boost blueline with Rodger, Ebbole - Helena Bighorns
- Lamoreaux's four points league Bobcats to win over Blizzard - Bismarck Bobcats
- Dallas Stars coach Tippett assists Tornado during practice - Texas Tornado
- Blizzard update - Alexandria Blizzard
- Wildcats 1-1-1 on road trip - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Jets fall from first place - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Phantoms win overtime shootout, sweep weekend vs. Toledo - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- NAHLers poised for first college commitments this week - NAHL
- Icedogs vs. Bighorns tonight - Bozeman Icedogs
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.
