By Bruce Karnick

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There are two classes for boys Hockey, Class A and AA, that means there are only two state championships each year with the current format. This season’s edition of the Raider boys’ hockey team felt like they had a better shot than most at being the Class AA Champions, or at least a chance at attending the state tournament. That run ended at the hands of one of the Lakeville schools. This time it was North in the second round of the section tournament.

The Raiders had a 21-5-1 record on the season that also saw them have a 15-game winning streak. For the entire season, they outscored opponents 142-55 and outshot opponents 930 to 613. That is an average of 34.4 shots on goal per game and an average of 5.26 goals per game. With stats like that, not earning that state birth seemed like a mathematical improbability.

The Raiders are graduating 13 from the team this year: Connor Stoffel, Jake Harris, Logan DeBettignies, Luke Savage, Jackson Sweeney, Collin Stewart, Ben Zaccardi, Steven Reifenberger, Jack Nicklay, River McDowel, John Chorlton, Holden Richardson and Kadin Harelson. Eight of the seniors are responsible for 124 of the 142 points. That is a lot of offensive firepower to replace next year. Two of the graduates are goalies, also not easy to replace. The saving grace on the keeper side is that Kody Niederkorn started significant games as a junior so he will return for his last season next year.

The returning Raiders also have a leg up on this season’s team. Head Coach Matt Klein made a return to the bench this year but with a promotion. An assistant last year, Klein took over as head coach for this season when Adam Welch retired. Yes, he coached under Welch, but Head Coaches always change things when they get promoted, some things may be small, some big, but things still change. The younger players have a year under their belt working with Klein and have a great understanding of what to expect for the years to come.

As disappointing as it is to lose in the second round of the section tournament, the regular season was absolutely spectacular for coaches, players, support personnel and fans. The fan experience at the Hastings Civic Center was electric for every home game. Hopefully that electric atmosphere continues next year when the Raiders return to the ice.

Photo courtesy of Dan Rother Photography/ DanRother.com