Roadrunners Report: October Season Recap
The American Hockey League (AHL) regular season is underway, with the Utah Mammoth achieving a seven-game winning streak. Their minor league affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, have experienced a mixed start in October, posting a 3-4-1 record. Six of these eight games took place at the Tucson Convention Center, where the team currently holds fifth place in the Pacific Division.
Season Start and Game Results
The Roadrunners began their season with a two-game road series against the Ontario Reign, splitting the games. They then played six home games against the Calgary Wranglers, Manitoba Moose, and Bakersfield Condors, with the following outcomes:
- 5-4 Win (OT) at Ontario Reign
- 2-4 Loss at Ontario Reign
- 5-4 Win (OT) vs Calgary Wranglers
- 3-4 Loss (OT) vs Calgary Wranglers
- 5-1 Win vs Bakersfield Condors
- 1-3 Loss vs Bakersfield Condors
- 0-2 Loss vs Manitoba Moose
- 3-4 Loss vs Manitoba Moose
Offensive Performance
Last season, offense was sometimes a challenge for the team. This year, with several new players, scoring has improved notably. By the midpoint of their six-game homestand, six players maintained at least a point per game. Although the scoring pace slowed slightly by the end of October, the offense has remained strong considering half of the roster consists of newcomers who had not previously played for the Roadrunners.
One of the standout stories early in the season has been the performance of Daniil But.
Overall, despite a rocky start, the Tucson Roadrunners demonstrate promising offensive potential and integration of new talent.
Author's summary: The Tucson Roadrunners are navigating a challenging start to their AHL season, showing improved offense and team cohesion despite a mostly new roster.