Tyler Poulsen Named NAHL South Division Star of the Week
The Topeka RoadRunners completed a perfect road trip, earning 12 points in six games while leapfrogging the Texas Tornado for second place in the South Division standings. For his work during last weekend’s series against the Tornado, forward Tyler Poulsen was named the South Division Star of the Week.
The Arvada, Colorado native made a significant impact in each of the RoadRunners two wins in Texas in the weekend sweep. On Friday, Poulsen (5’7/146) had an assist in the eventual game-tying goal in Topeka’s 4-3 win over the Tornado. A night later, he scored twice (including the game-winning goal) and added an assist in a 4-2 win over Texas. He was also a +3 during the weekend.
“We acquired Tyler for exactly what he has been doing, which is adding depth to our offense and providing some spark and talent,” said Topeka head coach Scott Langer. “He has been very dynamic, especially since Christmas and is a threat every time he touches the ice. Tyler plays with a lot of speed and plays with some grit. He is tough to play against.”
Receiving an honorable mention for the RoadRunners was forward Tyler Groat who scored two goals, an assist and was +2 in each game. Receiving the second star for the South was Conor O’Neil, forward for the Wichita Falls Wildcats. Also receiving honorable mentions: Gage Christianson (forward, Amarillo), Ben Myers (goaltender, Corpus Christi) and T.J. Sherman (defenseman, Amarillo).
Other Stars of the Week from around the league include: C.J. Smith, forward, Austin Bruins (Central Division), Tyler Spiezia, forward, Port Huron Fighting Falcons (North Division) and Matt Salituro, forward, Fresno Monsters (West Division).
The NAHL, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 24 teams from across North America, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey. So far during the 2012-13 season, over 70 NAHL players committed to NCAA schools. The NAHL also had two players selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Famous alumni of the NAHL include: Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller and Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane. For more information, visit www.nahl.com.