The Topeka RoadRunners are one of only two teams to reach the 20-win mark on the season after posting a 3-0 win over the Wenatchee Wild on Friday night in Landon Arena.
The first period was brisk with both teams aiming to get the upper hand. Topeka's Cam Strong racked a shot off the pipe in the opening shift and each side hit pipes later in the period as well, but Topeka took the 1-0 lead at 16:20 when Sam Rennaker rammed home a power play goal from the right side of the net, set up by Mike Gornall and Jasen Fernsler. The goal was his 8th of the season.
The second period saw both teams clamp down a bit defensively as each side managed just four shots on goal. But the third period gave Topeka the added cushion they needed. Matt Jennings posted his first Junior A point when he took a pass from Ryan Polin and slid it across to Dominic Lutz who rifled it into the net high on the goalie's right hand glove side for a 2-0 edge at 8:55. The 'Runners had to kill a 1:01 of 5-on-3 Wild power play, but after successfully doing so and getting back to even strength, a Wenatchee penalty for delay of game allowed Topeka another power play goal at 16:05, again scored by Rennaker from the same spot, again assisted by Gornall and Fernsler. The Wild scrambled to avoid the whitewash but a solid effort across the board defensively and a huge shot block by Shawn Brennan helped secure Matej Tomek's NAHL-leading 5th shutout of the season.
Topeka (20-6-3) and Wenatchee (12-11-5) meet again Saturday night at 7, and close out the weekend on Sunday at 6 pm. Saturday's game will feature a Miller Lite Hat Giveaway and the annual Teddy Bear Toss where fans can "Make it rain teddy bears" in memory of Peter Halash. The bears will be donated to Topeka Rescue Mission. For more information on tickets, call 785-286-PUCK or visit the Expocentre Box Office.