The Topeka Capitals gutted out a close 8-6 win against the Sugar Land Imperials.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Dylan Wattles's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

With two goals and five assists between them, Wattles and Colin OConner teamed up to power Topeka's offense. Wattles racked up two goals and one assist and OConner also notched zero goals and four assists.

The Capitals forced Sugar Land goalie Colton Anderson to work between the pipes, taking 34 shots. Topeka outdid its season average for goals scored. The Capitals average 3.3 goals per game. Topeka's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.

Topeka also got points from Tre Kautzman, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Trey Opack, who also tallied one goal and two assists. Topeka also had goals scored by Richard Yusa, Spencer Sabourin, Drew Kelly, and Kyle Rimbach, who scored one goal each. In addition, Topeka received assists from Andrew Cooley, Benton Deanovich, and Steve MacIver, who contributed one each and John Crusinberry and Alex Johanson, who each chipped in two.

The Imperials bested their season scoring average. Sugar Land has scored at the pace of 3.1 goals per game during the current campaign.

The Imperials were helped by Anthony Chesrow, who registered two goals. Chesrow scored the first of his two goals at 1:17 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Sugar Land. Matthew Jung picked up the assist. Chesrow's next tally made the score 6-5 Topeka with 5:39 left in the third period. Jung provided the assist. Sugar Land additionally got points from Frazer Ellis, who also finished with one goal and two assists and Jung, who also racked up one goal and three assists to lead the team in points. Others who scored for Sugar Land included Mason Smith and Matthew Winkle, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Sugar Land were Aksel Campbell, Ryan James, Frank Muscarella, and Matt DeNure, who contributed one each.

The Capitals' starting goalie, Brett Malkmus, made 10 saves and finished with the win before he was taken out in favor of Bailey Aust, who stopped nine shots. Topeka incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Colton Anderson made 26 saves for Sugar Land on 33 shots. The Imperials incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.