Anthony Menghini, Brady Anderson and Mason Kruse scored the game's last three goals to lift the Brainerd Warriors to a 6-3 victory over the Centennial Cougars in non-conference action at Essentia Health Sports Center Saturday, Dec. 22.
After Centennial's Joshua Hermes tied it 3-3 at 5:02 of the third, Menghini, Anderson and Kruse scored in the next 7-plus minutes to help Brainerd square its overall record at 4-4. Menghini and Anderson scored on power plays 19 seconds apart.
Joe Klang, Riley Andres, Menghini, Anderson and Kruse each finished with a goal and assist for Brainerd which outshot the Cougars 41-16.
Trailing 2-0 after the first period, Klang fueled the Warriors' comeback with an even-strength score at 2:40 of the second. Riley Andres on a power play and Mike Laber also scored in the middle session to give Brainerd a 3-2 edge.
Luke Saiko finished with 13 saves in the Warrior net to attain his second victory in two nights.
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Centennial 2 0 1-3
Brainerd 0 3 3-6
First period: C-Kullan Daikawa 9:55; C-Wyatt Clancy (Joshua Hermes) 14:59.
Second period: B-Joe Klang (Brady Anderson) 2:40; B-Riley Andres ppg 11:21; B-Mike Laber (Anthony Menghini, Riley Andres) 16:33.
Third period: C-Hermes 5:02; B-Menghini (Eric Pohlkamp, Mason Kruse) ppg 7:03; B-Anderson (Klang, Wyatt Andres) ppg 7:22; B-M. Kruse 14:33.
Shots on goal: Brd 13-16-12--41, C 5-5-6--16
Goalies: Brd-Luke Saiko (13 saves); C-Leo Troje (35 saves)
Overall: Brd 4-4. Next: Brainerd vs. Bemidji in Hilltopper Holiday Classic at Duluth 1 p.m. Thursday Dec 27.
