The South Division leading RoadRunners had a strong start to the season in September and returned home to face the Amarillo Bulls, completing a two-game sweep. In recognition of their efforts, Matej Tomek, Daniel Rzavsky, and Daniel Brickley received notice for their work in September while Willie Brown and Mike Gornall were honored for their work over the weekend.
GOALTENDER OF THE MONTH RUNNER-UP: Matej Tomek
After going 3-1 and allowing just four goals in over 238 minutes last month, Matej Tomek earned Runner-up for Easton's Goaltender of the Month for September. His two shutouts during the NAHL Showcase opened a lot of eyes around the world of hockey. He currently stands at 4-1 with a 1.01 goals-against average and 125 saves (.962 save percentage). "Tomek has been very consistent in his approach," said head coach Scott Langer. "He gives us a chance to win every night."
FORWARD AND DEFENSEMAN OF THE MONTH HONORABLE MENTIONS: F Daniel Rzavsky and D Daniel Brickley
With 10 points on five goals and five assists, including two game winners, Rzavsky was a force to be reckoned with in the first month of the season. The second-year Runner added another assist this past weekend and currently is tied for the team lead in points with Jasen Fernsler at 11. "Dan's game is developing nicely," said Langer of Rzavsky. "He is a high IQ player that brings a lot to our blueline.
Daniel Brickley began his RoadRunner career with a game winning shoot out goal in the first game of the season against Corpus Christi. The team was +4 when he was on the ice in September and are a team-leading +6 for year. Coach Langer praised Brickley by saying, "Dan's work ethic and energy are helping this team win."
2ND STAR OF THE WEEK: Willie Brown
Entering the series with six points on the season, Willie Brown took a feed from Sam Rennaker across the crease and buried it in the net past goaltender Anton Martinsson in the first period to give the Runners a lead they would not relinquish resulting in a 2-1 victory. On Sunday afternoon, with the game tied at 1-1 in the second, Brown assisted Carlos Fornaris' power play goal and then followed it with a score of his own for the eventual game winner. "Willie has been working very hard on his game," said Scott Langer. "He has the ability to be a game changer."
STAR OF THE WEEK HONORABLE MENTION: Mike Gornall
Mike Gornall moved his season point total to eight with his game winning goal in game one of the Amarillo series. With the puck bouncing on the doorstep of the goal in the second period, Gornall was able to find the handle and stab it into the net for what ultimately would be the game winner. "Gornall is one of our most consistent players when it comes to work ethic," Langer added. "Mike is extremely dependable day in and day out."
The Runners get a visit from the Odessa Jackalopes this Saturday (7pm) and Sunday night (6pm) at Landon Arena. Saturday's game will feature a pregame party at Jose Peppers where the first 25 fans in attendance will receive a special ice scraper courtesy of Lynette Hudson State Farm. The first 500 fans through the doors at the game will receive an ice scraper as well. The Runners will also be wearing special pink jerseys this weekend in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team is offering the jerseys up for a silent auction that will run through the series and conclude Sunday night. For more information on tickets, call 785-286-PUCK or visit www.topekaroadrunners.com.