Win Streak Climbs To Eight
Published on January 22, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka RoadRunners let a 3-1 lead get away on Thursday night before winning 4-3 in a shootout. On Friday, they did not make the same mistake.
After a scoreless first period in which Topeka outshot the Wichita Falls Wildcats 13-5, it was the 'Cats who scored first in the second period to take a 1-0 lead when Dakota Klecha punched home the rebound of a blue line shot at 6:28. Topeka answered to tie the game at 16:22 when Jacob Poe snapped a sharp pass that Davey Middleton redirected from the slot, his third goal of the season in just four games. Mason Miller garnered the second assist on the play. The game remained tied at a goal apiece after two periods of play. Shots on goal were 29-17 in favor of Topeka.
In the third period, Wichita Falls had their chances. Two breakaways including a 2-on-0 break were both turned aside by Rasmus Tirronen, who ended up stopping 25 shots in the game. Topeka took the lead at 1:49 of the third as Zach Schrotenboer set up Justin Hussar who blistered a wrist shot off Wildcat goalie Tyler Green into the net for a 2-1 lead. Then, late in the period the Wildcats were hit with simultaneous penalties setting up a 5-on-3 RoadRunner power play, which allowed Joe Van Antwerp to bury a slapper from midpoint at 15:10 for a bit of insurance, and the 'Runners held on to cement the 3-1 win, the teams eighth consecutive win. After the final horn, Wildcat forward Dakota Klecha was penalized for instigating a fight with Andrew White as the 'Runners moved to center ice to salute the crowd.
Topeka (27-8-2) welcomes the Springfield Jr. Blues (17-17-3) to Landon Arena next Saturday and Sunday. It will be Springfield's only visit to Kansas this season. The teams split two games in Springfield in October. Since then, the RoadRunners have gone 18-3-0. The RoadRunners are 33-14-4 all time against Springfield, 19-5-2 at home. The 'Runners longest franchise win streak of 11 games was snapped last season by Springfield in Landon Arena. The 'Runners currently boast the NAHL's top winning percentage at .757. Michael Hill returned to the lineup after serving his suspension but was held scoreless. Both RoadRunner goaltenders are in the NAHL Top Ten.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 22, 2011
- Bulls Look To Return To Win Column Tonight - Amarillo Bulls
- Win Streak Climbs To Eight - Topeka Pilots
- 3rd Period Penalties Doom Tornado in 6-5 Loss on Friday - Texas Tornado
- Pauly Nets Two Goals: Monsters Top Wild, 4-3 - Wenatchee Wild
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.
