RoadRunners Tame The Brahmas 5-2
When it rains it pours and it's starting to monsoon pucks on opposing teams nets for your Topeka RoadRunners. Holding the edge through the first two periods, the Runners let loose in the third to bring down the Brahmas 5-2.
Jasen Fernsler began the assault with the lone goal of the first period, besting Jacob Nehama with help from Mike Gornall and Avni Berisha at 8:17. In the second, Brahma Matt Lison applied some pressure, tying up the proceedings with a netter at 11:09. Kevin Fitzgerald would find the puck moments later and restore the one-goal Topeka lead at 11:22 (assisted by Sam Rennaker and Fernsler) making it 2-1 Good Guys heading into the decisive third. It was a particularly big night for Fernsler who tallied four points to bring his season total to 11.
In the final frame, Lone Star knotted the game at 2-2 at 5:06 off the blade of Cole Rose. Aided by a power play resulting from some extracurricular activity and a trademark Brandon Vuic beat down, the Runners reclaimed the lead via Mike Gornall’s goal (assisted by Andrew Roye and Fernsler) at 6:59. Roye found the net himself at 11:39 (assisted by Fernsler) to give the Runners a 4-2 lead. A final-minutes penalty on Roye opened up a 6-4 advantage for the Brahmas at 18:46, paving the way for Peter Halash’s empty-netter at 19:26 (assisted by Ryan Polin) effectively icing the game with a final score of 5-2.
The Runners and Brahmas lock horns again Saturday night at Lone Star. The game begins at 7:30 and fans in Topeka are invited to observe the proceedings at Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant. Get there early as seats are limited. Topeka returns home on Thursday, Nov. 21st to take on the Odessa Jackalopes in a three-game series that will feature the Runners in special Shriners jerseys that will be auctioned off following the game on Saturday, Nov. 23rd. A portion of the proceeds of the auction will go to benefit the Topeka Arab Shriners. For more information on tickets, call 785-286-PUCK or visit www.topekaroadrunners.com.