It was almost like deja vu all over again. Another big first period, another RoadRunner victory, this time a 5-0 whitewash of the Odessa Jackalopes on Sunday evening in Landon Arena.
Looking to take advantage of the final home game until late November, Topeka jumped on the board at 4:15 of the first period when Carlos Fornaris netted his 2nd goal of the year, assisted nicely by Mike Gornall and Tyler Irvine, a line that produced two goals the previous night. Beau Dommer buried his 2nd of the year, following a Dominic Lutz shot that was set up by Shawn Brennan at 13:57 for a 2-0 lead. Then Tyler Irvine continued his eventful weekend at 16:04 after two crisp passes from Fornaris and Gornall. Topeka led 3-0 after one, outshooting Odessa 15-7.
The 'Runners were dealt a blow at 4:50 of the 2nd period when goalie Matej Tomek was shaken up by an undisclosed injury, and Drew Vogler came on to relieve him. Tomek left the ice under his own power, but appeared to be in discomfort. The scoreless period saw shots on goal fairly even, 14-13 favoring Topeka.
In the final frame, Topeka held serve, limiting the Jackalopes to just 4 shots on goal. Tyler Irvine buried a 5-hole shot at 7:02, set up by Fornaris and Seth Kamrass. Then, in the waning moments, after an apparent RoadRunner goal was washed out by a disputed hand pass, Shawn Brennan snapped home a power play goal with 2.1 seconds for the final 5-0 margin.
Topeka (10-2-0) will embark on a 10-game road swing beginning next weekend in Corpus Christi against the Ice Rays (5-3-3). Fans can catch all the action at the RoadRunners official away game viewing parties in Topeka or on the air with Sports Radio 1490 KTOP.