TOPEKA, Kan. – The Topeka RoadRunners, already shorthanded for the past week due to call-ups and injuries, will be without leading scorer Marcus Russell for this weekend’s series with NAHL South rival Amarillo.
Russell (25 points in 28 games) departed mid-week to join the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks as they prepare for Saturday’s home game against the Chicago Steel and former Topeka teammate Johnny Walker.
“It’s a great opportunity for Marcus, and although we are a bit thin right now, letting Marcus go to Muskegon is the right thing to do,” said Topeka Head Coach Josh Kamrass. “We will manage without him, but we are looking forward to getting him back after Christmas.”
The RoadRunners, tied for 4th place in the NAHL South at 11-14-2-1, are already without the services of captain Marshall Bowery (upper body), forward Andrew Hart (upper body) and defenseman Trevor Zins (USHL callup to Cedar Rapids). For last weekend’s series at Amarillo, the RoadRunners called up forward Kyle Klatt from Atlanta of the NA3HL and added forward Brayden Schiff to the roster.
The RoadRunners earned a split in last weekend’s series against the Bulls in two close games, and are looking forward to a rematch on home ice.
“We will be glad to skate on our ice again,” said Kamrass. “These are our last two games before the Christmas break, and both teams are in need of points. It’s should be a tremendous battle.”