RoadRunners Win Thrilling Shootout Opener 4-3
Months of scouting, planning, and training culminated in Friday night's season opener for the Runners and Ice Rays at Landon Arena. It was a doozy. Sixty-five minutes and 14 penalty shots later, the Runners stood victorious 4-3.
Daniel Brickley capped off a two goal comeback in the shootout to become Topeka's first hero of the season, sneaking the puck past goaltender Andrew Lindgren for the game winner. Down two goals to one (scored by Sly Sutter on the third attempt) the Runners had their backs to the wall on their final attempt when Jasen Fernsler extended play with the tying goal.
Fernsler played a big role in the game, netting an assist in the first and a goal in third that put the Runners up 3-1 with 18 minutes to play. Back came Corpus with a goal at 3:06 and the tying shot that sent the game into overtime by Wes Michaud with only 17 seconds on the clock.
Daniel Rzavsky posted two points with a goal and an assist. Forward Sam Rennaker had the teams second score of the game in the middle frame assisted by newcomer Tyler Hayes. First year Runner Tyler Irvine added his first assist of the season as well, lending a hand to Fernsler's goal in the third.
The Runners and Ice Rays do battle again on Sunday, September 14th at 1pm. Early arriving fans will be treated to RoadRunner Schedule Cups as the team looks to finish their first series of the season strong before heading to the NAHL Showcase in Blaine. Tickets for Sunday are still available and parking is free.