Topeka RoadRunner forward and assistant captain Tyler Poulsen will celebrate a milestone tonight when he laces up his skates for his 200th NAHL game. The RoadRunners are in Wichita Falls to face the 4th place Wildcats.
Poulsen's NAHL career began in the 2010-11 season when the Arvada, CO native appeared in 55 games for the Aberdeen Wings, putting up 21 goals and 22 assists in his rookie season and finished third on the team in scoring. The following season, after just 6 games in Aberdeen he was traded to the Odessa Jackalopes where he would have a marginal season, scoring 10 goals and adding 7 assists, good for 7th on the team. In the offseason, he was dealt to Topeka in exchange for a 3rd round draft pick in what could only be called a steal of a deal. In the 2012-13 season, Poulsen netted 32 points (13 goals and 19 assists) and established himself as an electric playmaker and a leader, which translated into him wearing an A on his sweater for the 2013-14 campaign. His crafty skill set and on-ice production led to him securing an NCAA Division I college commitment to the University of Alabama – Huntsville in the WCHA. At press time, Poulsen leads the RoadRunners in goals (22), points (43), and power play goals (11). He's tied for the team lead in game winning goals (4) and power play assists (10). 96 of his 200 games will have been as a RoadRunner,
"Tyler has proven to be one of the best decisions I've made as a coach", said RoadRunners Head Coach/GM Scott Langer. "He's everything we look for in a player. He has skill, speed, he's tough and he's a great teammate." The record for most games played as a RoadRunner in 171, held by Aaron Gens, who went on to play four years in college at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and is currently playing pro hockey with the Reading Royals (ECHL).