Former Miners forward Sharkey earns NAHL monthly honor

Topeka RoadRunners veteran forward Kyle Sharkey, 20, shined during the month of November.  The forward from Moore, Oklahoma, who played for the Pikes Peak Miners in the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL), is currently riding a 12-game point streak, the second longest to date this season in the NAHL, and that was bolstered by Sharkey registering at least a point in all nine games he played during the month.  During those nine games, Sharkey (5’8/175) had 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists), two game-winning goals and was a +6 as the RoadRunners moved themselves into 1st place in the South Division.  Thanks to his big month of November, Sharkey is currently tied for 2nd in league scoring with 35 points in 26 games played.

Now in his third season in the NAHL, it has all led to Sharkey having a career season. Less than halfway through the season, he has already set career highs for goals and points.  Sharkey is a true developmental ladder success story.  Before joining the RoadRunners, Sharkey played for the Pikes Peak Miners 18U team of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) during the 2009-10 season, where he was second in team scoring. “Kyle puts the stress and responsibility of winning and team success squarely on his back and that is something I think is unique and special about him, and a big reason why he is respected in the lockerroom,” said Topeka head coach Scott Langer.  “He is one of our go-to guys and is determined to leave his mark on the RoadRunners franchise.  He is the type of player that spends an endless of amount of time on the ice trying to always improve.  His determination is a big reason why I think bigger things are ahead for him.”

Sharkey said that his success and production in the month of November was largely due to his teammates.  “Playing with the guys on my line (Sean Gaffney and Tyler Andrew) has really helped me have success.  We have a pretty special bond and being able to trust them and know they have my back, makes it easier to play and produce,” said Sharkey.  “Scott Langer has had a lot to do with my growth and development as a player, and we sat down before the season and set up some goals.  I want to get better and better as the year goes along so by the time the playoffs come around, we are all playing our best hockey of the season.”  Sharkey said that his time developing in the NAHL has been a memorable one and he has a few short-term goals for the remainder of the season.  “I would like to continue to play hockey at the NCAA Division I level and help Topeka win a Robertson Cup, so everything I am focused on right now is working towards those two things.”