TOPEKA, Kan. – The Topeka RoadRunners split a pair of exhibition games with NAHL newcomer Shreveport last week, taking the opener 3-2 and dropping the second game by a 5-1 score. The games were an opportunity for RoadRunner head coach Josh Kamrass to get a look at players trying to make the squad before this week’s season-opening series with NAHL champion Fairbanks.
“The games had their good moment, and their not-so-good moments,” said Kamrass. “There are guys competing for a spot on this team, and we want it competitive. That’s a necessity if we want to be an elite team in the NAHL South.”
Kamrass said he was impressed with the Shreveport team, especially considering they are new to the league.
“I thought they battled hard, and believe they will be a force in our division,” said Kamrass. “In saying that, I believe our division will be strong once again. I don’t think there any weak sisters whatsoever.”
The RoadRunners open their regular NAHL season Thursday against defending NAHL champion Fairbanks, starting with a 6 p.m. game Thursday, followed by 7 p.m. games Friday and Saturday at the Kansas ExpoCentre.
“We have been working hard on the details of our game, and trying to squeeze in a great deal of info to our players in a short amount of time,” said Kamrass. “At times, it looks messy, but it should smooth out as time goes on. I think most teams are in the same situation. But we are looking forward to playing a great team like Fairbanks. It will put us to the test.”