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TOPEKA ROADRUNNERS ANNOUNCE 2ND ANNUAL BLUE – WHITE CLASSIC
Hockey fans will get their first look at this years club Labor Day weekend.
The Topeka RoadRunners hockey team will ring in their second season in the Capital City with their 2nd Annual Blue – White Classic on Monday, September 1 at 6:00 pm in Landon Arena at the Kansas Expocentre. The Blue White Classic is an intrasquad scrimmage between the players who will comprise the new seasons roster, along with a few hopefuls trying to earn their way on to the team. The event is free to the public, though donations will be accepted to benefit the Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka.
“We know our fans are as passionate as any in the league”, said media director and broadcaster Arch Ecker. “We like to hold this event on the first day of Training Camp because we know the fans are clamoring to get a look at the new players, and it’s great for the new players to get an early taste of the incredible fan support here. It’s a fun event, and it’s always great to see ice back in the building.”
The RoadRunners roster is still taking shape after two very competitive open tryout camps, but there will be a good number of familiar faces. Of the 19 players eligible to return to Topeka, 16 are expected in camp when the players report at the end of August. Among them are forwards Steve Shafer, Matt Hartmann, Bryon Paulazzo, Jordan George, and defensemen Eric Artman, Randy Swank, and Caleb Wolfgram. In the pipes, both Bryce Merriam and Lyle Rocker return. A strong cast of summer recruits including former Texas Tornado forwards Andrew Blazek and Gustav Bengtson, Russell Stover alumni Billy Mulligan, Bob Marx, and Ryan Knutson hope to fill some of the vacancies left by last seasons graduating class. Other returning veterans include Jake Hutt, Travis Stevens, Ross Trousdale, Tom Kleidon, Colin Smith, Martin Sundstedt, and Ryan McGrath. A number of additional players will be on hand, battling for the privilege of wearing the RoadRunner crest this season.
The Blue White Classic begins at 6:00 pm, and the facility doors will be open to the public at 5:00 pm. Booster Club members and others are planning a sizeable tailgate party in the parking lot near the South entrance to the Expocentre, and all are welcome.
