BEMIDJI-Back-to-back goals by Jack Thorkelson and Mason Malone erased a 2-0 deficit and rallied the Brainerd Warriors to a 2-2 tie with the Bemidji Lumberjacks Saturday.
Nick Whiteman assisted on both goals.
"We started off flat and when playing the eighth-ranked Bemidji boys team you need to start out strong," said Warriors head coach Tom Grausam. "Bemidji took advantage of our slow start. When they put the first goal in, it spatked a fire in us even though they scored again given them a two-goal lead.
"We had chances in the first half, but couldn't finish. At halftime, I told the boys you can play with them. We just needed two switch fields and work the ball to the corners. At the start of the second we immediately pressured the ball and started seeing results."
Thorkelson's goal was set up when Ben Westerberg cleared a ball to Whiteman, who sent it over the Bemidji defense and Thorkelson chipped into the net.
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Whiteman received a pass from his brother Tim Whiteman in the corner. Nick Whiteman sent the crossing pass into the box where Malone headed it into the net."
Brainerd's Noah Sundberg collected seven saves.
"Our defense was really strong holding Bemidji to nine shots," Grausam said. "I'm very proud of how the boys stayed positive, focused and pushed themselves to finish the game strong. When a team plays six games in 11 days like we did you will be tired and the boys overcame that."
Bemidji 2 0-2
Brainerd 0 2-2
First half: Bem-Sylis Hess (Brock Michalicek) 11:00, Bem-Hess 32:00
Second half: Brd-Jack Thorkelson (Nick Whiteman) 49:00, Mason Malone (Whiteman) 58:00
Shots on goal: Brd 7, Bem 9
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Goalkeepers: Brd-Noah Sundberg (7 saves); Bem-Adam Laakso (5 saves)
Overall: Brd 4-3-3. Next: Brainerd hosts Sauk Rapids 7 p.m. Tuesday.
