Northern Lakes at Brainerd

Recap

A rivalry was renewed as the Northern Lakes Lightning and Brainerd Warriors squared off in boy’s hockey for the first time since 2011.

The communities were on board, as the stands were packed for a great night of hockey. The night even debuted the “Lakes Area Battle Paddle”, a new traveling trophy.

Despite being outshot 56-19, the Lightning came away with the victory. The Lightning struck first as Darby Boelter scored on the Lightning’s first shot on goal at the 5:17 mark. Karter Lee picked up the assist, and it was 1-0 Northern Lakes after one.

The intensity picked up in the second period, and so did the goals. Christian Crutcher tallied a power play goal, assisted by Quady Bernu to put Northern Lakes up 2-0 6:23 into the period. Just over four minutes later, Max Roby got the Warriors on the board, assisted by Ryan Kennedy. With just under one minute to go in the period, the Lightning lit the lamp again with Zach Ehnstrom scoring, assisted by Taylor Berg and Justin Verville. Northern Lakes led 3-1 after two.

Each team scored in the final frame. The Lightning went up three at the 5:38 mark as Boelter beat Warrior goalie Jed Klang for the second time, assisted by Ehnstrom. Brainerd’s Max Roby tallied his second goal of the night on a power play at the 12:44 mark. Assists went to John Finnegan and Kalvin Stengrim.

The Lightning, despite going up against a 6-on-4 for a stint, were able to keep the Warriors out of the net the rest of the night, and claimed the paddle in its first year.

Brainerd falls to 0-4 to start the year, and travels to #6A Fergus Falls Tuesday. Northern Lakes (1-1) is back at it Saturday on the road at Becker/Big Lake.

Team Stats: Shots on Goal: Brainerd 56, Northern Lakes 19; Power Play – Northern Lakes 1/4, Brainerd 1/7; Penalties – Brainerd 4, Northern Lakes 8

Postgame talk with NL Coach Craig Larson