Topeka Run Out Amarillo 3-1
Two weeks ago, Topeka was on the tail end of a five-game losing streak against the Bulls before ending that series with a thrilling win over their hated rivals. The Bulls went on to lose their next two, culminating in a fourth loss tonight as their trademark physicality (and a little Tyler Poulsen) was thrown right back at them in Topeka's 3-1 victory.
Neither team gave an inch in the first two frames as they each jockeyed for control, countering every check and block and killing every penalty. In the middle of the third, Topeka had the Amarillo goal surrounded on a powerplay when Jake Kamrass threaded the puck through four Bulls to find Tyler Poulsen waiting on the backside with a one-timer to make it 1-0 Runners at 9:21. Less than five minutes later, with the puck bouncing left to right in front of goaltender Paul Berrafato, Michal Uhrik found the handle and put Topeka up by two (assisted by James Ring and Jerad Tafoya at 14:10).
Amarillo would make it a game again at 15:37 when Carl Penzien breached the net at the same moment Cody Champagne was whistle for a questionable tripping call, cutting the lead to 2-1. But a comeback was not to be as, with the goalie pulled on a RoadRunner powerplay, Poulsen fought for and won the puck back down the ice and scored the game-clincher (assisted by Kamrass and Avni Berisha at 19:23) that sent the Bulls to the showers 3-1.
Topeka and Amarillo are back at it tomorrow night at 7pm for Teddy Bear Toss Night at Landon Arena. Fans are invited to bring teddy bears to the game and toss them on the ice after the first Runner goal. The bears will be collected and donated to the Topeka Rescue Mission with the hope of spreading a little joy to the less fortunate children of Topeka. For more information on tickets, call 785-286-PUCK or visit www.topekaroadrunners.com.