Nichols’ big game bests Dallas in 6-3 Topeka win

Feb 2, 2014

Behind a great game by Connor Nichols, who had two goals and one assist, the Topeka Capitals defeated the Dallas Jr. Stars, 6-3.

Nichols scored on the power play at 15:21 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Topeka and again while on the power play 4:38 into the third to make the score 5-3 Topeka.

Topeka forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up eight minors and two majors for 46 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 29.0 minutes per game the Capitals had been spending in the box. Topeka forced Dallas goalie Link Ferch to work between the pipes, taking 45 shots.

Others who scored for Topeka included Kole Hudson, Trenton Faber, Jaydn Munnelly, and Dante Juris, who scored one goal each. In addition, Topeka received assists from Hardijis Kupaks, who had two, Joe Stoneburner, who had three, and John Crusinberry, Luke Thom, Nick Rizzo, Austin Petrie, and Georgy Ostapchuk, who contributed one a piece.

The Jr. Stars were often in penalty trouble, totaling 10 minors and two majors for 80 minutes in penalty time. Dallas had been averaging 27.0 minutes in penalties per game.

The Jr. Stars were helped by Colin South, who registered one goal. South scored 19:27 into the second period to make the score 4-3 Topeka. Jake Gevaart assisted on the tally. Dallas additionally got points from Blake McIntyre, who also registered one goal and one assist. Dallas also got a goal from Cam Choate as well. Other players who recorded assists for Dallas were Matt Zaragoza, Raurie Petrich, and Niko Jansen, who each chipped in one.

Mike McElroy made 18 saves for the Capitals on 21 shots. Topeka registered two goals on seven power play opportunities. Ferch rejected 39 shots on goal for Dallas. The Jr. Stars registered one goal on five power play opportunities. For Dallas, Jon Gibson was ejected from the game.