TOPEKA, Kan. – The Topeka RoadRunners announced this week that Slovakian forward Jakub Urbanek and American goaltender Connor Murphy have been added to the roster as the team prepares for this weekend’s series against the defending NAHL champion Lone Star Brahmas.
Both players are coming from Cedar Rapids of the USHL.
Urbanek, a 1999-born center from Martin, Slovakia, will add size and strength up the middle for the RoadRunners. At 6-3, 208 pounds, Urbanek provides a bit more strength up front for Topeka coach Josh Kamrass.
“We are looking forward to having Jakub in the lineup,” said Kamrass. “This is an opportunity to make our team better, and his size and strength fits in well playing in the South Division.”
Murphy is a 1998-born goalie from Hudson Falls, N.Y., and was drafted by Cedar Rapids in the 2017 draft. At 6-4, 190 pounds, Murphy is expected to battle for time with Danish goalie Emil Gransoe (2.62 GAA, .930 save percentage) and Sam Metcalf (3.36/.891).
“Murphy comes highly recommended from the Cedar Rapids staff,” said Topeka GM Joe Clark. “You can never have enough depth in goal, and we want to make sure it’s a competitive situation.”
Kamrass also announced this week that center Nick Granowicz (Macomb, Mich.) and defenseman Jake Rosenbaum (Trabuco Canyon, Calif.) will both wear the “C” this season; forward Nigel Nelson (Crystal Lake, IL) will wear the lone “A”.
“Nick, Jake and Nigel all have the right kind of presence in the room,” said Kamrass. “They have earned everyone’s respect with their work ethic, and that’s what it’s all about.”
The RoadRunners return to action Friday and Saturday against Lone Star, and continue their homestand Oct. 14-15 against Amarillo.
