Topeka Stumbles After Week Off, Kneel To Monarchs 5-2

Topeka returned from their week off looking to ride the momentum of their first four games of the season. After successful victories against Indiana and Monroe the Scarecrows continue to look up the table trying to establish themselves as leaders in the Frontier division. Mid-South comes in looking for a rebound after a difficult series against Columbus last week.

The Monarchs found the edge early as just 4:15 into the game Brendan O'Reilly got open in the slot taking a pass from Jack Wren and with all the time he had was able to beat Sammy Bernard for a 1-0 lead. Midway through the period Mid-South's Wyatt Friedlander appeared to overstrech on a save and was replaced by Tommy Nappier. Just before the end of the period Mid-South scored again as O'Reilly fed a pass to Wren who put the puck across the crease and Sam Holeczy lifted a backhander past the outstretched Bernard at 19:18 of the first for the 2-0 edge. 

Second period action started similarly to the first as the Monarchs leading scoring Darion Benchich found himself wide open in the slot and beat an outstretched Bernard just 1:42 into the period. 37 seconds later however Topeka found an answer as newcomer Brady Gedman picked up a rebound and slid it past Tommy Nappier to pull Topeka back within two goals, 3-1. 13:26 into the frame after a Scott Coash penalty Frank Trazzera tipped home a Camron Cervone shot to score on the power play and give Mid-South back their three goal lead, 4-1. 3:08 later on a bouncing puck Chiwetin Blacksmith slapped the puck past Bernard for the 5-1 lead that saw the end of Bernard's night.

The Scarecrows fought to the bitter end with an Elijah Wilson goal on a rebound 18:41 into the third period, but 5-2 was as close as it got. 

Bernard stopped 14 of 19 in the loss while Everett Bailey stopped both attempts on him.

Topeka returns to action tomorrow night to face off with the Monarchs again on Faith and Family night. Get your tickets on Ticketmaster or at the Stormont Vail Box Office.