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SOMERSET CAMP DRAWS TO CLOSE
This is the preferred vantage point of scouts and coaches as they evaluate players at camp.
(SOMERSET, WI) - The Topeka RoadRunners first of two open tryout camps came to a close with an All-Star game on Sunday in Somerset, WI.
After 12 games and a competitive goalie camp, the RoadRunners scouts and coaches selected the top performers and prospects to compete in Sunday's All-Star Game. The Blue Team beat the Red Team, 7-3, behind 2 goals from Matt Hartmann, a goal and three assists from Bryon Paulazzo, and a goal and an assist by Steve Shafer. The Red Team saw offense from veterans Jordan George and Travis Stevens as well as draft pick Billy Mulligan. Lyle Rocker led the All-Star goalies, allowing just one goal in 31 shots.
RoadRunners scout Tom Kelly was particularly thrilled with the weekend. "I gotta say, we have a lot of quality kids fighting for spots on this team. By the time we get through the Chicago camp (in Woodridge, IL in July) we should have a very strong team". Head Coach Scott Langer was characteristically guarded in his appraisal of the weekend. "I saw some things I really liked, and I saw some things that concern me a bit."
Surely one of the things he liked had to be the offensive output from his veterans. Travis Stevens led all scorers with 10 points while Colin Smith, Jake Hutt, and Jordan George each had 9 points. Tenders Jacob Poe, Alec Hagaman and Andrew Blazek all showed strong production at camp.
The battle for the right to wear a RoadRunner jersey this fall continues with the teams second and final open tryout camp next month in Woodridge, IL. While some teams have what they consider a "main camp", the RoadRunners have always held two "open" camps. A camp being "open" means it is open to any player wishing to attend on a first come, first served basis. Between the two camps, the RoadRunners coaches and staff feel they will have the personnel to make a run at defending their South Division title.
