Tuesday’s Section 8-2A contest with Bemidji was no rematch of an earlier contest as Brainerd Warriors rolled to a 6-0 win over the Lumberjacks in their final regular season game at Brainerd Area Civic Center.
Brainerd needed overtime to beat Bemidji 2-1 Dec. 22, but the Warriors netted four goals in the second period leading to the victory.
“We were just kind of a step ahead of them for most of the game,” said Brainerd coach Jim Archibald. “We haven’t changed our systems a whole lot. Tonight was just a lot better effort by the boys and a lot more jump in their step that resulted in our success.”
Goalie Kyle Helmberger picked up his third shutout of the season turning aside the nine shots he faced as Brainerd mounted a 32-9 shots-on-goal advantage.
Logan Rivard netted two goals, while Alex Mimmack, Cole smith, Jacob Ellingson and Reno Fussy each scored once. Smith and Chris Pohlkamp contributed three assists each.
The Warriors have won four straight and close out regular season play 19-5. Seedings for the Section 8-2A playoffs will be determined Wednesday.
“We’re happy with the way our season has gone and we’re looking forward to a new season that starts for us tomorrow,” said Archibald.
Bemidji 0 0 0 — 0
Brainerd 1 4 1 — 6
First period: Brd-Alex Mimmack (Griffin Campbell) ppg 8:13
Second period: Brd-Jacob Ellingson (Cole Smith, Chris Pohlkamp) ppg 1:43; Brd-Smith (Logan Rivard, Pohlkamp) 2:35; Brd-Reno Fussy (Campbell) 4:22; Brd-Rivard (Smith) 11:13
Third period: Brd-Rivard (Smith, Pohlkamp) 4:57
Shots on goal: Brd 32, Bem 9
Goalies: Brd-Kyle Helmberger (9 saves); Bem-Gabe Heitfort (26 saves)
Overall: Brd 19-5. Next: Brainerd in Section 8-2A playoffs TBD.
