Matvey Ivanov and the Texas Roadrunners have regained their winning ways with a dominating sweep of the Austin Ice Bats this past weekend topping the bats with a 25-0 score over the two games. This is just what the guys team needed after a dismal appearance in New Mexico two weeks ago dropping three in a row to give the Ice Wolves a solid lock on the final playoff spot in the South. “The New Mexico games were three of the worst performances of the year in my mind. I do give credit to Darren Banks and the Ice Wolves as they played hard and wanted that final spot. They definitely earned it! This past weekend in Austin we got back at it and moved the puck well. I think the guys put in a solid two game effort. Let’s see how we approach the game coming up on Tuesday which will be part of the deciding factors in if we are really ready for the playoffs.” States Runners coach Mike Beavis
Game One:
TX RoadRunners 9 @ Austin 0 – The Texas RoadRunners got back to their winning ways as they beat the Austin Ice Bats 9-0. Matvey Ivanov had a hat trick and added an apple to lead the offensive attack for the RoadRunners. Adrian Sanchez potted a pair of goals and added an assist while Tyler Love had one goal and two helpers. JT Brugaletta and Jake Arnold had a goal and an assist. TJ Lipsky also netted a goal for Texas. Nash Wilson made 11 saves to earn the shutout while Owen Reeve stopped 67 shots in a losing effort.
Game Two:
TX RoadRunners 16 @ Austin 0 – Matvey Ivanov had the game of his life as he notched an unreal 12 point performance in the RoadRunners 16-0 win over the Ice Bats. Matvey scored four times and dished out eight apples while Eitan Geralnik had a hat trick and four assists. Tyler Love also had a hat trick and picked up three assists as well. Logan Motz and JT Brugaletta potted a pair of goals while TJ Lipsky and Jake Arnold also got on the scoresheet. Hunter Hein and Jimmy Packee made 14 saves in goal to secure the shutout.
The RoadRunners will finish the regular season at home this week, taking on the first place Texas Brahmas Tuesday afternoon at 12:00 and a three game set with the El Paso Rhinos Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Brahmas have a chance to secure first place overall in the NA3HL South with a win on Tuesday but the RoadRunners may have a different plan. The Runners led the south for most of the season but dropped into second place a couple weeks ago as the Brahmas turned up the heat while the Runners took their foot off the gas of a bit. “This game is huge, we have bragging rights at stake here. The Brahmas have won the last seven division regular season titles and we are the only ones that can stop them from number eight. The ball is in our court at this point. With a win this week against the Brahmas we would move to within three points with three games remaining and six possible points up for grabs. Hopefully the boys come to play and we take care of business.” Added Beavis
Make sure stop by the ‘Spirit Ice Arena” this Tuesday and check out the action with puck drop happening at 12:00 noon or catch the action live on HockeyTV.com The Roadrunners will finish up the regular season Friday, Saturday and Sunday when they host the El Paso Rhinos @ 7:30 Friday and Saturday and 5:30PM Sunday. Friday will be a tribute to our age out players and Saturday the Runners will be honoring their billet families. Please stop by and help us celebrate these two very important events and catch your RoadRunners live @ “Spirit Ice” in Bryan / College Station.