The Texas Roadrunners advanced to the Southeast Division finals in the NA3HL Fraser Cup playoffs. The Runners defeated the Carolina Rage in the best of three series in College Station, TX. 4-0 and 2-1 this past weekend.
Game one recap:
Carolina 0 @ Texas R 4 – Texas took Game 1 in the Southeast Division playoffs, blanking Carolina 4–0. Neither team scored in the first period as both defenses held strong early in the game. The RoadRunners broke through in the second period when Kristopher Pope scored with assists from Michael Garrett and Nathan Pickett. Just a minute later, Jayden Hitt added another goal assisted by William Heskett and Jacob Brown to give Texas a 2-0 lead heading into the third. Texas extended the lead in the third period when Hitt scored his second goal of the night with an assist from Joseph Izzo. Later in the period, William Heskett added a goal with assists from Hitt and Hillard Johnmeyer to make it 4-0.
Game two recap:
Carolina 1 @ Texas R 2 – Texas held on in an exciting match-up with Carolina securing a 2-1 win on Saturday, clinching their spot in the Southeast Division Finals where they will face reigning Fraser Cup champions Louisiana. The RoadRunners opened the scoring in the first period when Kristopher Pope scored with assists from Brady Warrington and Michael Garrett to give Texas a 1-0 lead after one. Texas added to the lead early in the second period when Memphis Palmer Gummer found the net with assists from Hillard Johnmeyer and Kristopher Pope to make it 2-0. Carolina responded in the third period with a power-play goal from Quinn Richards assisted by Anderson Cornwell and Reece Beckwith, but the RoadRunners held on for the 2-1 win.
The Roadrunners will now hit the road to Louisiana to face off for the division championship to decide on who will represent the Southeast in the Fraser Cup tournament in St. Louis, Mo. The Runners had an impressive season in the NA3HL finishing in 2nd place in the Southeast division and tied for 13th overall in the league with a record of 30-17-0-0 for 60 points scoring an impressive 267 goals while allowing only 174 against. The Runners have had (3) college commitments including Hank Garrett committing to Western New England College NCAA D3 this season. “I think we had a decent season this year but not without our short comings at times. Louisiana was our biggest challenge all year and they certainly had everyone’s number. But, a lot can happen in a three game series and we just have to earn our chances and capitalize on our opportunities. We are headed into this as we have nothing to lose and everything to gain and as the defending league champions they have all the pressure. We feel that we are the only doubt in their minds at this point and that can change the dynamic.” states Roadrunners HC Mike Beavis
The Roadrunners will face off against the Drillers this Friday and Saturday at 4 Pm and if needed will finish off the series on Sunday afternoon. Be sure to catch all the Fraser Cup action live on NATV.com