RoadRunners edge Brahmas in OT on Saturday, 3-2

December 27, 2015

Lone Star 2 @ Topeka 3 (OT) – Many thought the series between Lone Star and Topeka would be a close one heading into the weekend and the first game on Saturday lived up to its billing as the RoadRunners defeated the Brahmas 3-2 in overtime in a game that struggled to find a lot of offense.

 

Just over five minutes into the 1st period, it was the Brahmas who struck first as some cycling in the Topeka zone led to a pass to the point where defenseman Cam Clarke let go a rocket that found its way through traffic and through Topeka goalie Tyler Johnson. Topeka didn’t wait long to tie the game as a shot from the low slot from Cam Strong found its way past Lone Star goalie Conor O’Brien to tie the game at 1-1.  After the goal was scored, Topeka fans launched hundreds of teddy bears onto the ice for the team’s annual teddy bear toss, which benefits the Topeka Rescue Mission.

 

Topeka would take a 2-1 lead just over three minutes into the 2nd period as forward Yu Hikosaka converted on a nice 2 on 2 play as he got the puck in the slot and darted to the side to create space and ripped a low shot past O’Brien.

 

It would take until the late 3rd period for the Brahmas to find the equalizer, which came via the power play. With the action in the Topeka zone for the better half of a minute, the Brahmas finally converted on some nice passing plays as Troy York wired home a one-timer past Johnson from the slot to tie the game at 2-2 and send it to overtime.

 

Halfway through the overtime, it was Topeka forward Dominic Lutz who started a rush up the ice off an errant Brahmas pass. Lutz raced in on a 3 on 1 and decided to wire a shot, which beat Brahmas goalie Conor O’Brien for the game-winner. 

 

Topeka goalie Tyler Johnson made 11 saves in the win, while Lone Star goalie Conor O’Brien made 14 saves in the loss. The win moved Topeka one point ahead of Lone Star for 2nd place in the South Division.