Brainerd remained unblemished in Central Lakes Conference play as Aaron Rich registered a hat trick and Matt Pohlkamp assisted on five goals to lead the Warriors past the Willmar Cardinals 6-1 Thursday night at Brainerd Area Civic Center.
The 18-3 Warriors have won seven in a row and lead the CLC with an 11-0 mark.
Rich’s first goal gave the Warriors a 1-0 lead after one period. Logan Rivard, Cole Smith and Rich found the net in the second, building the lead to 4-1.
Mitch McLain and Rich completed Brainerd’s scoring with goals in the third.
Jared Stearns turned away 17 shots as Brainerd outshot the Cardinals 40-18.
Willmar 0 1 0 — 1
Brainerd 1 3 2 — 6
First period: Brd-Aaron Rich (Matt Pohlkamp) 12:53
Second period: Brd-Logan Rivard (Mitchell McLain, Thomas Stoxen) 4:54, Brd-Cole Smith (Rich, M. Pohlkamp) 6:19, W-T.J. Mattison (Zech Streed) 6:41, Brd-Rich (M. Pohlkamp) 16:20
Third period: Brd-McLain (M. Pohlkamp, Chris Pohlkamp) 1:01, Brd-Rich (M. Pohlkamp) 3:49
Shots on goal: Brd 40, W 18
Goalies: Brd-Jared Stearns (17 saves); W-Derek Baker (34 saves)
Conference: Brd 11-0. Overall: Brd 18-3. Next: Brainerd at Fergus Falls 7:15 p.m. Thursday.

