This past weekend the Texas Roadrunners opened up the 2026-2027 on the road to face off against the Atlanta Capitals at the Duluth Ice Forum in Duluth, GA. The Runners had only a short time span to prepare for the opening set with a one week training camp and three days of regular practice leading up to the match-up in Georgia.
Game One Wrap-Up
Texas 7 @ Atlanta 3 – The Texas Roadrunners beat the Atlanta Capitals on Sunday, 7-3, inside Atlanta Ice Forum. In the first period the Roadrunners took a 3-0 lead with goals from Memphis Palmer-Gummer, Kristopher Pope and Nathan Pickett. Ben Parker got Atlanta on the board in the final 30 seconds of the first period to make the score 3-1 Texas going into the first intermission. The Roadrunners extended the lead to 5-1 in the second period when Benjamin Deutsch and Vincent Colangelo lit the lamp. Atlanta’s Joseph Hendix-Trubhe made the score 5-2 in the final three minutes of the middle frame. In the final frame, Charles Lemon put Atlanta back within two as he was sprung on a breakaway 40 seconds into the period. Four minutes later, Kristopher Pope extended the Texas lead to 6-3 as he converted on the power play. Texas continued to put on the pressure as Bradley Hart made the score 7-3 and scored his first junior hockey goal. At the 7:08 mark of the third period the Roadrunners thought they extended the lead to five but Schweitzer’s goal was waived off due to Goaltender Interference. In net, Colby Lee made 33 saves for the Roadrunners and secured the victory. Atlanta’s Max Pelton made 37 saves and was credited with the loss.
Game Two Wrap-UP
Texas 5 @ Atlanta 3 – The Texas Roadrunners rallied in the third period to defeat the Atlanta Capitals 5-3 on Monday. Texas opened the scoring in the first when Luke Torres buried the game’s first goal. Atlanta responded quickly, with Janson Best finding the back of the net to even the score at 1-1 heading into the first intermission. The Capitals controlled the second with strong defensive play and two goals by Taylor Dahlberg and Isaiah Ronson to give them the 3-1 lead heading into the final stretch. The Roadrunners came out flying in the third. Kristopher Pope cut the deficit to one with a power-play goal less than a minute into the period. Cole Sweitzer followed with the tying goal, giving Texas momentum. Pope struck again on another power-play opportunity, put the Roadrunners ahead 4-3. Benjamin Deutsch sealed the comeback with a late goal, securing a 5-3 victory for Texas.
Game Three Final
Texas RoadRunners 8 @Atlanta Capitals 1 – The Texas RoadRunners went on a three game sweep of the Atlanta Capitals. Texas went on an early run in the first period. They scored five unanswered goals, giving them a 5-0 lead. They would continue to find offensive opportunities in the second period when Kristopher Pope found the back of the net for his second goal of the game. He would score the only point during the second period. Pope would strike again in the third, along with Benjamin Deutsch. Brayden Hawkins of the Capitals would find a goal at the end of the third period, bringing the final score to 8-1.
With the weekend sweep the Roadrunners are in a tie with the Austin Ice Bats for second place in the Southeast division in the early stages of the season. The Runners will have a quick turnaround an must be ready to host the Louisiana Drillers two days after arriving back in College Station from Atlanta.
” The guy’s played well but it’s still early on and we have a lot to work on over the next few months. It’s going to be some tough going over the next few days. The guy’s will jump off the bus about 4 AM on Wednesday morning and practice at 11:30 AM then be back the next day with final preparations for Louisiana. Not an easy task by no means but sometimes the schedule isn’t in your favor.” Stated Associate Head Coach Jaron Ketterman
The Roadrunners will open up at home this weekend Friday September 25 through Sunday the 27th VS the Drillers. Game time Friday and Saturday will be at 7:15 PM and puck drop Sunday is at 12:15 PM All home games are at “Spirit Ice Arena” in College Station, TX. and will also be broadcast live at nahltv.com