Ecker’s 1,000th Call A Shoot Out Loss 4-3
Arch’s first game ended without a winner and it seemed like his 1,000th wouldn’t end at all. The Runners and Blues battled for nearly three hours Saturday night and when the final penalty shot hit the back of the net, the Runners were on the short end 4-3.
James Ring gave the Runners the early edge with a goal at 10:36 of the first period, which amounted to the only scoring until the second. That was when Michael Mylchreest tied the game (unassisted at 1:38) thanks to a power play left over from the first period when Sly Sutter was called for roughing. Clint Garris' cross checking penalty at 8:13 led to another power play goal, this time an unassisted shot by Davis Dekorte at 9:39. The score would remain 2-1 going into the third.
Cash Seraphim got the Runners back to even with his goal at 3:58 (assisted by Michal Uhrik). The Blues and Dekorte countered at 7:29 to retake the lead 3-2. Seconds later, Michal Uhrik retied the game at three (assisted by James Ring at 7:53). The flurry of goals came to quick end as did regulation, leading to a second straight night of overtime.
Which led to a second straight night of the sudden death shoot out. The Runners and Blues traded a goal-a-piece in the first two rounds but neither was able to net the puck again until round eight when Michael Gambino slipped a shot around Blake Wojtala. Stefanos Lekkas denied Mike Gornall, ending the game in favor of Springfield 4-3.
On Monday, the Runners will hold their Inaugural Golf Scramble at Western Hills Golf Course. Registration begins at 10am with tee off at 11. Single players can sign up for $65 and groups of four can play for $250. Next weekend, the RoadRunners will be back in action starting Friday Oct. 4th as they “Pink the Rink” against the Lone Star Brahmas. Friday and Saturday’s games will feature special pink jerseys worn by the Runners in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The jerseys will be auctioned off after Saturday night’s game and half of the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. For more information on the Golf Scramble, “Pink the Rink,” and tickets to the games on Oct. 4th and 5th call 785-286-PUCK or visit www.topekaroadrunners.com.