RoadRunners Blank Rays 4-0
If winning the first game of the season feels good, RoadRunner fans must be over the moon. On Saturday night, the Runners drew first blood against the Ice Rays and never looked back, notching their first sweep and their first shutout of the 2013-2014 season 4-0.
After killing two penalties to close out the scoreless first, Clint Garris unknotted the game with his first goal of the season at 6:05 in the second (assisted by Jasen Fernsler). Or did he? After the horn sounded, the referees had to take a closer look and ultimately confirmed the goal, giving the RoadRunners a 1-0 lead. And with time running out in the period, Peter Halash took advantage of a late power play and extended the Runners lead to 2-0 (assisted by James Ring and Cody Champagne).
Early in the third, Tyler Poulsen netted his second goal in as many games as he blasted one past the beleaguered Ben Myers for a 3-0 lead (4:19, assisted by Ryan Polin). Tomas Nechala slammed the door shut at 8:50 with the Runners second power play goal of the night and the Rays wouldn’t recover. Excellent special teams play (5 penalty kills, 2 for 6 on the power play) and another outstanding night between the pipes for Drew Vogler (16 saves) lifted Topeka to a sweep and a 4-0 victory.
The Topeka RoadRunners take a day off before suiting up again Monday night as the Odessa Jackalopes come to town. Monday night is also Receipt Night at Landon Arena. Fans who purchase a child’s ticket to that game can redeem the stub for a free child’s ticket to the game on September 28th against the Springfield Jr. Blues. There will also be a team autograph session on the ice following Monday night’s game. The puck drops at 6:35pm and tickets are available at the Expocentre Box Office. And if the arena gets 5,000 people in attendance, on lucky fan will walk away with $5,000 thanks to Sharp Honda. For more information on Receipt Night, the team autograph session, the 5K Giveaway or future RoadRunners games and promotions call 785-286-PUCK.