Runners Squash Bees 8-0
The battle for second place in the South Division and home ice for the first round of the playoffs came to a head at Landon Arena Friday night. The Runners didn't blink. Topeka scored early and often while blanking Rio Grande in a decisive 8-0 victory.
Tyler Poulsen had a goal and four assists while Jake Kamrass and Yu Hikosaka each had two goals and an assist to lead the team in this one but offense was only part of the story. Despite only meeting twice, tensions between the two teams boiled over multiple times resulting in five ejections and 137 total penalty minutes (87 for Rio Grande). This allowed the Runners to capitalize on three of 10 power play opportunities while the Bees were zero for three.
PJ Bridges had another outstanding game in net, stopping all 18 shots on goal for another shutout. Olli Kalkaja and Nick Schmidt each allowed four goals in net for the Bees with Kalkaja being pulled midway through the second period.
Zach Glienke had the game winner in the first period at 5:10. Rzavsky and Nechala rounded out the scoring for the Runners who posted their first snowman of the season on the night before another winter storm is set to hit Topeka.
The Runners and the Killer Bees hit the ice again tomorrow night at 7:pm. Saturday night will be Armed Forces Appreciation Night, which will feature a flag presentation and $7 tickets for all service members with an ID. RoadRunner 2014-2015 season tickets are now on sale. For more information on this deal and tickets to future games, call 785-286-PUCK or visit www.topekaroadrunners.com.