Pair of RoadRunners make D-I plans

Two Topeka RoadRunners have made Division I college commitments, with forward Corey Jendras heading to the University of Connecticut and defenseman Eric Artman off to the Air Force Academy.

Jendras, who will join the Huskies next season, will team up with former RoadRunner Jason Krispel, a freshman at the Storrs, Ct., school.

“Corey’s commitment is very deserving,” said RoadRunners coach-GM Scott Langer. “He has come along way in the last year. His ability to shoot the puck is one of the tops I’ve seen at this level.”

Jendras is grateful for the experience he’s had with the RoadRunners organization.

“Smack (Langer) has shown he’s believed in me from the very beginning. I’m glad to see that my hockey career doesn’t end here, and that I still have a future in the game.

“The RoadRunners program, from (team owner) Mary Magdalene Lorang to the coaches on down has given me all the tools I needed to succeed, and I will always be grateful.”

Jendras hasn’t decided on a major, but thinks he will likely pursue a degree in business. As excited as he is about his future at UConn, he remains focused on the task at hand with the RoadRunners.

“Last season, we were on the threshold of being a champion. This year, I want to help Topeka earn a banner to hang at the Expocentre.”

Artman will join Air Force for the 2009-10 season.  While finding a college was a priority for Artman, he didn’t always have his eyes set on a service academy.

“I didn’t know what to expect, really, when I went to visit the campus,” said Artman, “but that’s what sold me on the deal. I knew the hockey program was solid, but after seeing the campus and meeting people there, I knew it was the right fit for me.”

Like Jendras, Artman was emphatic in his praise for the RoadRunners coaches and staff.

“I can’t say enough about the coaches here,” he said.  “They delivered on their promise. I came here to develop as a player and to work my way into college.

“I’m glad to have the opportunity to pursue my dreams and I owe a great deal of thanks to the RoadRunners.”

Langer has been pleased with the progress Artman has made.

“Eric has made huge strides in his first year of junior hockey,” said the coach.  “He has been given a lot of responsibility in just his first season and he’s handled it very well.

“Arty is a great guy to coach and he will do very well with the Falcons.”

Both Connecticut and Air Force compete in the Atlantic Hockey conference.