The Willmar Cardinals had a three-goal lead after two periods and cruised the rest of the way en route to a 6-0 win over the Eveleth-Gilbert Golden Bears.

Willmar was paced by Ryan Woltjer, who grabbed one goal. Woltjer scored on the power play 9:28 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Willmar. Hunter Schneider provided the assist.

The Cardinals excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. Willmar forced Eveleth-Gilbert goalie Chad Hietela to work between the pipes, taking 50 shots. The Cardinals surpassed their usual scoring output this season. Willmar averages 3.5 goals per game.

Willmar also got points from Schneider, who also finished with three goals and one assist to lead the team in points and Zech Streed, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Willmar also got a goal from Evan VanDenEide as well. More assists for Willmar came via Riley Grabow, who had one and Trey Tollefson, who had two.

The Golden Bears' offense operated below they season average. Eveleth-Gilbert averages 3.0 goals per game. The Golden Bears did not challenge the opposing netminder, only getting nine shots on net to force nine saves.

Joe Benson made nine saves for the Cardinals on nine shots. Willmar incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Hietela rejected 44 shots on goal for Eveleth-Gilbert. The Golden Bears ended with 11 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major.