BEMIDJI -- Goals in the final 4:20 of the third period by Logan Rivard and an empty netter by Matt Pohlkamp locked up a 5-2 victory for the third-seeded Brainerd Warriors over the No. 2 Bemidji Lumberjacks in the semifinals of the Section 8-2A tournament Saturday afternoon.
Following a scoreless first period the Warriors pumped in three unanswered goals, which were scored by Aaron Rich, Cole Smith and Mitch McLain. McLain's goal was his 36th of the season, which broke the program record of 35 set by Jerr Johnson 20 years ago.
Brainerd outshot the Lumberjacks 28-24 and moves on the section finals at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bemidji State University against the winner between top-seeded Moorhead and No. 4 Roseau.
Comments (9)
Add commentBrainerd has to beat Moorhead
Brainerd has to beat Moorhead to advance. You can't do that with only one line! You can't win at state with only one line. Great talent on this Brainerd team but the coaches prefer to play the "Brainerd name game" rather than the talent.
mommabear??
The boys hockey team has played 3 lines all year and at times even 4 lines. This has happened more this year than ever before in my memory of the last 15 years. I am curious who the " Brainerd Name Game" players are . You make it sound like there are players who should not be playing. Sounds like sour grapes to me.
Fantastic game yesterday. Scoring from 2 lines is big and all the boys contributed to the effort. There are many ways to contribute, keep it rolling.
We will just have to see how
We will just have to see how this plays out. I won't insult your intelligence(Macdaddy) by having to explain to you the "Brainerd Name Game".
Great effort
Great job by the Warriors! Everyone played great, forwards scored on opportunities, defense and goaltending stood their ground and shut them down. If we play like that against Moorhead it will be another very exciting game. Everyone contributed and played their hearts out and that's what it's going to take to make it to the X.
Mommabear, are you referring
Mommabear, are you referring to popular kids or kids that have parents with deep pockets???? What is the Brainerd name game?
Insult my intelligence
Please clue me momma... It's a great day for Brainerd hockey when we make the section finals. Now we have complaints. I beg to differ. This is another way for our program to continue to grow and give young warriors something to aspire to. The TEAM won the game and has a chance to make hockey history... Please insult my intelligence and elaborate on your previous comment.
Great Job Warriors!!
If you happen to make it the game Saturday, you saw a TEAM playing their hearts out for each other. Best of luck on Wed.
Leave everything on the ice!
I have been at every game this year, and as for playing time,it appears to me that the players who work the hardest and help the TEAM the most are playing in the games.
Thanks coaches for all you hard work and dedication!
I wasn't far off was I??
Again the consistancy of the first line, inconsistancy of the 2nd line and lack of a 3rd line wasn't enough to move the Warriors to State. I believe that was the point of my earlier comment. The "Brainerd Name Game" reared it's ugly head with a huge penalty that for the most part cost us the game. Great job to the seniors be proud of how hard you worked. The coaching staff is to blame for seniors quitting the team this year and for letting everybody down!!
Great Game
What can you say about a tied game deep into the third. Taking a five, followed by a two hurt Brainerd. Maybe Brainerd should take a look at the Moorhead way. They don't cut their players by PeeWee age. Moorhead Youth Association coaches all their kids, all the way to High School. Then in High School, they can roll eleven forwards and six defense on the varsity level and be competitive with a schedule loaded with top teams in the State.
This group from Brainerd has nothing to be ashamed of for their dedication, effort and success this year. You can't blame the players that stuck it out and earned the right to wear the sweater. If Brainerd can keep all of this underclassmen group, better days are ahead for them. It will be their turn.
Moorhead needs to enjoy this one. The next two years could be tough on them.
But for now...Go Spuds Go!