The Topeka Pilots finished a nearly immaculate NAHL Showcase on Saturday evening.
Facing the Chippewa Steel, Topeka (6-1-0) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period Saturday and carried the momentum throughout the contest, winning 5-1 at Schwan’s Super Rink.
The Pilots went 4-0-0 in the tournament, with only one other NAHL team, the Amarillo Bulls, going undefeated. By virtue of goal differential, Amarillo was crowned showcase champions.
Forward David Sunbrink got the scoring started at 5:21, tallying his first goal of the season. Defenseman Brenden Rons, got the primary assist on the play.
Topeka doubled its lead at 7:39, with Rons this time getting the goal, while Sunbrink notched the primary assist.
Forward Quinn Green got into the act at 10:14 of the opening frame, with his fifth goal of the season. Green currently holds the team lead in goals.
Defenseman Max Finner notched his second goal of the season, a powerplay goal, at 7:23 of the second period, making it 4-0 Pilots. This lead stood through the frame, as the Steel only mustered 11 shots on goal through two periods.
Topeka quickly pushed the lead to 5-0 in the third, with a goal 16 seconds into the frame. Forward Brendan Schultz was credited with the tally, on a wraparound.
The Steel got on the board at 15:22 of the final period, but Topeka would budge no further. Pilots goaltender Emil Gransoe got the victory in goal, stopping 13 of 14 shots. Goaltender Josh Langford picked up the loss, saving 28 of 33 attempts.
Topeka returns to action Sept. 28-29, as they face the Amarillo Bulls, continuing on a month-long road trip. Topeka and Amarillo (4-1-0) currently sit in first and second place, respectively, in the NAHL South DIvision.