RoadRunners sweep Bulls in pivotal series

Richard Kelly

The winning ways continued to fall into the hands of the Topeka RoadRunners on Saturday night.

Justin Hussar scored halfway through the third period to break a 2-2 tie and Jordan Davis added an emptynet goal as the RoadRunners defeated the Amarillo Bulls 4-2, to complete a pivotal two-game sweep.

Following a scoreless first period, Topeka (25-8-2) was able to capture the lead off a goal by Hussar at the 1:38 mark of the second period. Nate Milam registered a goal on the powerplay at the 7:04 mark to give the ‘Runners a 2-0 lead. Amarillo (22-8-3) cut the lead to one at the 9:43 mark and was able to tie the game late in the second period. Shots were 26-20 for the RoadRunners after two periods.

Topeka then outshot the Bulls 11-5 in the final frame as Hussar and Davis added their goals. Eric Rohrkemper got the victory for Topeka, stopping 23 of 25 shots, as Nikofor Szczerba dropped a second straight decision, stopping 33 of 36 shots.

Michael Hill, who was scheduled to return for Topeka on Friday night after his suspension, sat out the weekend as he had three additional games added to the suspension. Hill was suspended Dec. 31 following a crosscheck to Bull defenseman Derek Hills, which knocked teeth from Hills’ mouth.

Topeka entered the series only one point up on the Bulls in the North American Hockey League South Division, with Amarillo having two games in hand. However, after the two wins, Topeka now holds first place in the division and Amarillo has now fallen to third place in the division.

The Texas Tornado now trail the RoadRunners by one point in the division, with both teams playing 35 games so far this season.

The RoadRunners return home this Thursday and Friday to face the Wichita Falls Wildcats at 7:05 p.m. Thursday night marks a Family Fun Night for Topeka, with free parking and $1 hot dogs and popcorn.