The Topeka RoadRunners win streak to begin the season has ended at 6 with a 3-1 loss in Wichita Falls on Friday night.
For the first time in 7 games, Topeka surrendered the games first goal when Austin Beaulieu deflected a Colin Staub pass off the top of Matej Tomek's right leg pad at 11:29 of the first period. The 1-0 lead stood through the first two periods of play. Tomek was solid, stopping 26 of 27 shots in the first 40 minutes including two breakaway chances.
In the third period, Beaulieu struck again, firing a low shot across the body from the left wing circle to give the 'Cats a 2-0 lead. While on a third period power play, Topeka's Jasen Fernsler was clipped with a high stick that resulted in a five minute major and a 5-on-3 power play. Daniel Rzavsky fired a low shot on the blocker side from the midpoint to cut the lead in half,assisted by Ryan Polin.
A scary moment occurred while still on the power play. Matej Tomek was backing into his crease area from below the goal line after playing the puck, and the forechecking Wildcat forwards foot clipped the back of Tomek's, sending him falling backwards where his head appeared to bounce off the ice, and he lay motionless for a few moments. He eventually left the ice under his own power, and Drew Vogler was quickly ushered in with 1:58 left to play. With just over a minute left and teams back at even strength, Vogler came back off for the extra attacker but Wichita Falls defenseman Cam Knight hit the empty net for the 3-1 lead that became the final margin.
Topeka (6-1-0) and Wichita Falls (4-2-0) square off Saturday afternoon at 1:05 pm. Fans can watch the game locally at The Lazy Toad Restaurant.