The RoadRunners and the only head coach they've ever had (Scott Langer) celebrated franchise win number 400 on Saturday as they completed a weekend series sweep over the Lone Star Brahmas, winning by a score of 2-1 on Saturday night in the Kansas Expocentre. The RoadRunners all-time record is 400-159-55, for an impressive winning percentage of .696.
In the first period, a RoadRunner power play goal gave Topeka the 1-0 lead. A clean faceoff win was pushed back to Daniel Brickley who fired at the net, the rebound swatted first by Jasen Fernsler and then backhanded home by Sam Rennaker at 5:42. Topeka outshot the Brahmas 12-6 in that frame.
The second period saw Topeka stoke the fire with 17 shots on goal while holding Lone Star to just 4, but none hit the back of the net and the perilous one goal lead carried into the third period.
It was just :36 seconds into the third when Daniel Rzavsky tipped a Tyler Hayes shot into the twine for a 2-0 lead. The 'Runners couldn't take advantage of 3 power plays in the third, and when Lone Star got a late power play chance and pulled the goalie for the extra skater, a low shot from the left point by Alexey Solovyev was tipped by Roman Uchyn and eluded Matej Tomek with just under :12 seconds to go to ruin his shutout bid and make the score 2-1. Topeka held on in the final seconds to post the landmark win and complete the weekend sweep. The RoadRunners are now 9-1-0 in Landon Arena this season.
The first place RoadRunners (18-6-2) remain at home as their 14-game home stand continues next weekend against the Springfield Jr. Blues (11-11-1). The action begins with the RoadRunners Coach's Show this Tuesday night at Blind Tiger Restaurant & Brewery (6pm). Then the boys hit the ice for a two-game series against the Junior Blues on Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. For more information on tickets, call 785-286-PUCK or visit the Expocentre Box Office.