Willie Brown lifted the Hill-Murray Pioneers to a 6-2 victory with a hat trick against the Stillwater Ponies.

Brown notched his first tally 2:44 into the first period. He then added goals at 9:34 into the second and at 7:15 into the third.

The win gave Hill-Murray a 1-0 lead in the best of one series.

The Pioneers forced Stillwater goalie Colton Anderson to work between the pipes, taking 41 shots.

Hill-Murray also got points from Tyler Funk, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Hill-Murray also got a goal from Colten Greeder as well. Other players who recorded assists for Hill-Murray were Joey Anderson, who had two and Curt LaChappelle, Jacob Olson, and Ryan Black, who each chipped in one.

The Ponies' offense were handcuffed by Hill-Murray's defensive play, and Stillwater managed only 11 shots on goal during the game.

The Ponies were led by Nick Anderson, who grabbed two goals. Anderson scored the first of his two goals at 14:30 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Hill-Murray. Anderson's next tally made the score 5-2 Hill-Murray with 15:03 left in the third period. Brandon Jungman assisted on the tally.

John Dugas rejected nine shots on goal for the Pioneers. Hill-Murray incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Anderson recorded 35 saves for Stillwater. The Ponies incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.