SAUK RAPIDS-A multitude of Warriors scored early and often as Brainerd overpowered the Sauk Rapids Storm 8-2 in a Central Lakes Conference matchup Thursday, Jan. 31.
Anthony Menghini netted a pair of goals and six others tallied lone goals as Brainerd outshot the Storm 44-16.
Brainerd jumped out to an early 3-0 lead as Jack Olson, Mason Kruse and Menghini scored less than six minutes into the game.
Eli Roberts, Westin Andres and Nick Hastings added goals in the second while Mike Laber and Menghini wrapped up the scoring in the third.
Senior goalie Jacob Mitchell stopped 10 of 12 shots before giving up the net for the final period to junior Luke Saiko who rejected all four shots he faced.
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The Warriors have won six straight and eight of their last nine. Their only loss in that span was a 3-0 defeat to Roseau, who they play Saturday in Brainerd. During Brainerd's six-game winning streak, it has outscored opponents 30-7.
Brainerd is 6-1 in the conference and sitting second behind Alexandria.
Sauk Rapids 0 2 0-2
Brainerd 3 3 2-8
First period: Brd-Jack Olson (Hayden Kruse) 2:17; Brd-Mason Kruse (Brady Anderson, Westin Andres) 4:25; Brd-Anthony Menghini (Eric Pohlkamp) 5:58
Second period: SR-Brandon Bokelman (Chase Christensen) 5:28; Brd-Eli Roberts (Will Lundstrom, Riley Andres) 7:27; Brd-Westin Andres (Nick Hastings, Hayden Kruse) 12:06; SR-Brady Pesta (Daymin Dodge, Gavin Laine) 13:31; Brd-Hastings (Menghini) 13:48
Third period: Brd-Mike Laber (Anderson) 1:02; Brd-Menghini (Hastings)
Shots on goal: Brd 44, SR 16
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Goalies: Brd-Jacob Mitchell (10 saves), Luke Sako (4 saves); SR-Riley Weinand (36 saves)
Conference: Brd 6-1. Overall: Brd 13-6. Next: Brainerd hosts Roseau 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2.
