Runners Overtake The Blues 4-3
On the road for a quick pit stop before returning home for another homestand, the Runners took an early lead in what became a back-and-forth affair and eventually came out on top 4-3.
Topeka took the edge early thanks to some strong special teams play that culminated in two power play goals. James Ring notched the first (assisted by Jake Kamrass and Peter Halash at 7:18) to give the Runners a 1-0 lead. Jasen Fernsler picked up the second unassisted at 16:47 and the score became 2-0. With the seconds running off the board in the first, Springfield halved the lead courtesy of Cameron Brown's netter at 19:43 and it was 2-1 going into the second.
There the score would remain until Davis DeKorte tied the game at 19:00 of the second, knotting things up for the final frame. Alex Baskakov put the Blues ahead with a goal at 4:34 of the third making it 3-2. At 13:00, Michal Uhrik (assisted by Andrew Roye and Jerad Tafoya) found the net and squared the game at three-a-piece. And at 15:48, Ring completed the comeback with another power play goal and the Runners skated out with a 4-3 win. On the night, the Runners were three for six on the power play while denying the Blues on their four chances.
The same two teams do battle again tomorrow night at 7pm. Fans in Topeka are invited to watch the game at Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant but are advised to get there early as seats are limited. The Runners return to Landon Arena next weekend to face the Amarillo Bulls. Friday night's game will feature a Holiday Toy Drive and Saturday's game will have the annual Teddy Bear Toss where fans are asked to bring a bear and toss it on the ice after the first goal. The bears will be collected and donated to the Topeka Rescue Mission. For more information on tickets, call 785-286-PUCK or visit www.topekaroadrunners.com.