Document Actions
RUNNERS HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE
(L-R) Matt Hartmann, Aaron Gens, and Lyle Rocker all spoke at Wednesday's press conference.
(TOPEKA, KS) - The Topeka RoadRunners held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon in the Kansas Expocentre Box Office atrium in front of fans and media alike. Here are some of the highlights:
PRE-SEASON GAMES: In addition to the "Blue-White Classic" on September 1st, the RoadRunners will play 2 exhibition games. The first will be Friday, September 12 at 7:05 pm against the WSHL's Tulsa Rampage. The second and final pre-season game comes Sunday, September 14 at 5:05 against South Division rivals, the Wichita Falls Wildcats. Tickets for both games will be sold on a general admission basis only and will be priced at $6.50 each. The tickets will be available beginning September 2 in the Expocentre Box Office.
TEAM CAPTAIN: Head Coach Scott Langer announced that this seasons captain will be Matt Hartmann. "Captains aren't named, they are revealed", said Langer. "Matt has continuously displayed the characteristics and leadership traits I need from the guy wearing the 'C'. He does a lot of great things on the ice, but it's what he does off the ice as well that makes him a leader his teammates can respect". Hartmann was honored to accept the responsibility. "We had strong leadership last year with John Stoddard, Aaron Gens, and Tommy Hill. I will work hard to maintain their level of commitment".
Aaron Gens spoke a bit about how junior hockey has helped him acheive his dream of playing Division I hockey as he prepares to depart for the University of Alaska - Fairbanks. He was emphatic in his gratitude to Langer, and to team owner Mary Magdalene Lorang. Gens holds a number of team records, and he'll be missed on AND off the ice.
Goaltender Lyle Rocker also addressed the media and fans, talking a bit about the excitement the players have heading into the new season, and also spoke about the desire to finish the job they started last season. Coming one game away from playing in the National Championship game was a bitter pill, despite an otherwise remarkable season.
Director of Media Arch Ecker was the main speaker, outlining some highlights of the past season, previewing some of the marquee matchups on the new seasons calendar, and discussing the importance of the reciprocal relationship between team and community. At the close of the event, players shook hands with fans and mingled as local TV stations gathered a few extra interviews and sound bytes. The team also hinted that an announcement regarding a new assistant coach would be coming soon, sending a ripple of speculation.
