‘Runners play physical game, defeat Mustangs

Richard Kelly

The Topeka RoadRunners found offensive depth Saturday night.

Jordan Davis registered a goal, an assist, and a fight, equating to a Gordie Howe hat trick as the Topeka RoadRunners, who had different players score every goal, defeated the New Mexico Mustangs 6-3 at Landon Arena.

Kyle Sharkey fired a backhand shot past Mustang goalie Bryan Jones at the 4:35 mark of the first period to give Topeka (11-5-2) an early 1-0 lead. Davis gave Topeka a 2-0 lead at 16:04 of the first period on a fluky goal.

Topeka appeared to score only moments before but the game continued, only to have Davis fire a shot into the glove of Jones, which was in the net at the time of the save. But following the referee signaling it as a goal, Davis, Topeka’s Brendan Boyd both found themselves in fights with Mustang players. Sharkey and New Mexico’s Diego Breckenridge also received penalties on the play.

New Mexico (5-14-2) got two late first period goals at the 17:19 and 19:37 mark to leave the game tied at two at first intermission.

Brian Christie and Ryan White scored goals respectively at 3:50 and 4:58 of the second period, putting Topeka up 4-2. A Mustang goal at 11:23 cut the lead to 4-3, which would remain the score to the end of the second period.

The third period brought an interesting outcome to the game. Topeka continued with the scoring at 7:12 when Michael Hill deflected a Bob Marx shot behind Jones. Topeka goalie Rasmus Tirronen wound up ejected at 12:41 after Mustang forward Brad Wilhelm plowed into him, with Tirronen retaliating. Erik Rohrkemper had to finish the game, only having to make one save.

Justin Hussar finished off the scoring at the 18:31 mark. Topeka ended with a 34-18 shot advantage. Tirronen got the win with 14 saves on 17 shots. Jones stopped 28 of 34 shots. New Mexico had 51 penalty minutes, only to be outdone by Topeka’s 54.

Topeka continues their homestand this Friday versus the Texas Tornado, who have won 14 straight games. The Tornado play Wednesday at Wichita Falls before Topeka on Friday. Friday is College Night for the RoadRunners, with $1 beers and 10 percent off all tickets for students with a college I.D.