Challenging for a tying goal much of Friday’s game, the Topeka RoadRunners couldn’t pull off a comeback Friday.
Giving up a late first period goal, at the 19:25 mark, Topeka fought valiantly the second and third periods, but they could not find the back of the net, falling 2-0 at American Bank Center.
Corpus Christi (24-15-4) has now won seven straight games, while Topeka (15-28-5) has dropped its last three.
Forward Brad Power got the game-winner with 35 seconds to go in the first period, his 16th goal of the season. Forwards Mason Krueger and Josh Tripp picked up the assists on Power’s goal.
Corpus Christi finished off the Runners in the final minute of regulation, with an emptynet goal at 19:04 sealing the victory. Forward Brendan Miller was credited with the tally, his sixth of the season.
Topeka had its chances in a strong second period, outshooting Corpus Christi 9-3, but they could not find an equalizing goal. They were outshot 22-19 for the game.
Goaltender Ben Churchfield kept Topeka in the game till the end, stopping 20 of 21 shots on the night.
IceRays goaltender Tomas Vomacka, however, was also up to the task, notching a shutout victory with 19 saves. It was Vomacka’s first shutout this season.
The Runners will have next weekend off, as they don’t return to action until March. Topeka continues its road trek in two weeks, as they head to Springfield, Ill. on March 3-4 to face the Springfield Jr. Blues.