Runners Down Odessa 4-1
After a rough stretch games that saw the Runners struggle to come out ahead, Topeka regrouped and headed to Odessa Thursday night. They jumped up early on the Jackalopes and pinned them down the rest of the way, winning the first of three 4-1.
Tyler Poulsen took the initiative at 3:54 of the opening frame and gave the Runners a lead they wouldn't relinquish (assisted by James Ring and Michal Uhrik). Brandon Vuic contributed another goal unassisted at 6:23 on a breakaway that ran the length of the ice to give Topeka a 2-0 lead. Over six minutes later, Jasen Fernsler (assisted by Ring at 12:54) stretched the lead to 3-0 with his first goal of the year. Tyler Groat would finish off the scoring for the visitors with a netter at 13:25 (assisted by Peter Halash and Jake Kamrass) and the Runners led the game 4-0. Trace Jablin of the Jackalopes provided Odessa's lone brightspot in the game with a goal at 18:23 but the damage was done. The second and third periods flew by with no further scoring and the RoadRunners took the first of this three-game series 4-1.
The RoadRunners and Jackalopes take after each other again Friday night at 7pm. Fans in Topeka can see the games live at Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant but are advised to arrive early as seating is limited. All RoadRunners games this season can also be heard on Sports Radio 1490 KTOP or on mobile devices with the iHeartRadio app. For more information on tickets to the RoadRunners next homestand (Nov. 21st-23rd), call 785-286-PUCK or visit www.topekaroadrunners.com.