The Texas Tornado took Game 1 of their South Division Semifinal series against the Topeka RoadRunners with a 2-1 win at Landon Arena on Saturday. The Tornado got goals from both Max Shuart and CJ Reuschlein, the latter picking up his game-winner in the third period. Hunter Leisner looked every bit the goaltender who was in net during last year’s Robertson Cup win, making saves on 35 of 36 shots. The Tornado now have a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-five series.

In the first period, both teams played a little tight, not willing to give anything up at the other end. The shots on goal were 7-1 in favor of Topeka, with the best chance coming on a Codey Hansen breakaway for Topeka. Hansen had just come out of the penalty box when Sean Gaffney found him with a pass that sprung him clear of the Tornado defense. Hansen made a move, but Leisner denied him with an outstanding save.

The second period saw more shots on net, but for the first 18 minutes, it remained a scoreless game. That changed after the Tornado took a penalty, and both teams scored on the RoadRunners power-play. Immediately after Topeka won the faceoff, Shuart stole the puck and raced ahead of everyone on a breakaway. He was hauled down before he could get a shot off and was awarded a penalty shot. Shuart made no mistake, and the former Muskegon Lumberjack of the USHL gave the Tornado a 1-0 lead.

Just 36 seconds later and still on the power-play, Topeka tied the score. Kevin Patterson ripped a slapshot from the blue line which Tyler Andrew redirected for what was Topeka’s only goal of the game. After two, the RoadRunners had outshot the Tornado 22-6, but the Tornado were very much in the contest, creating plenty of chances.

“I thought we had the better of the scoring chances,” Tornado head coach and general manager Tony Curtale said. “I really don’t think the shots on goal were indicative of the way we played tonight.”

The third period provided a chance for the Tornado to take the lead, on which Reuschlein cashed in. He was parked in front with Jason Eddy in possession of the puck behind the net. He centered the puck to Reuschlein, who powered it home to give the Tornado a lead they would never relinquish. Over the final 10 minutes, the Tornado absolutely dominated, tightening the pressure on the forecheck and not allowing the RoadRunners to get any extended time in their zone.

The two teams return to the ice for Game 2 on Sunday, with a 6:05 start from Landon Arena.