The Hastings Raiders boys hockey team skated into last week with an 8-7 record and left feeling good after a hard-fought road win that tested their depth and discipline. Hastings traveled to face Tartan, which entered the game at 1-6, on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Tartan Ice Arena. The matchup had the feel of a rivalry game from the opening faceoff, with steady energy, heavy checking, and very little space on the ice. By the end of the night, Hastings used pressure, puck movement, and a strong team effort to earn a 5-3 win.
The first period set the tone for what turned into a physical and fast paced game. Hastings came out aggressive and controlled the puck early, firing 14 shots on goal in the opening period while allowing just six the other way. Michael Kennedy opened the scoring at 2:17, finishing a play set up by Lukas Niederkorn and Andrew McGraw to give Hastings a quick lead. Just under two minutes later, Will Savage added to the advantage, scoring at 4:01 off an assist from Blake Weber. The Raiders were skating well and moving the puck with confidence, but Tartan answered late with a power play goal at 16:59 to cut the lead to 2-1 heading into the first intermission.
Momentum swung back and forth early in the second period, but Hastings found another gear offensively. Finn Zaruba scored twice in a span of 21 seconds, striking at 2:40 and again at 3:01 to push the lead to 4-1. His first goal came off assists from Niederkorn and Rylan Krauth, while the second was set up by Brecken Fullerton. Hastings finished the second period with 16 shots on goal and continued to spend time in the offensive zone. Tartan answered with an even strength goal at 7:01 to make it 4-2, and the period also included a 10-minute misconduct assessed to Hastings that added to the chippy feel of the game.
The third period opened with another quick goal by Tartan just 31 seconds in, trimming the Hastings lead to 4-3 and raising the tension in the building. Hastings stayed composed and continued to generate chances, outshooting Tartan 18-10 in the final period. As the clock wound down and the game tightened, Hastings leaned on smart puck management and solid goaltending. Charlie Stoffel sealed the win with a key goal at 16:45, finishing a play assisted by Niederkorn to restore the two-goal cushion and quiet the crowd.
Hastings finished the night with a 48-22 advantage in shots on goal and committed five penalties for 18 minutes, while Tartan had four penalties for eight minutes. Combined, the teams totaled nine penalties and 26 minutes, including the second period misconduct. The Raiders went 0 for 4 on the power play, while Tartan scored once on five chances. Hastings received goals from Kennedy, Savage, Zaruba twice, and Stoffel. Assists were credited to Niederkorn with three, and one each from McGraw, Weber, Fullerton, Krauth, and McGraw. Stoffel earned the win in goal, stopping 19 of 22 shots in a steady performance over 51 minutes.
Hastings now turns its attention to a busy and high profile stretch of games. On Saturday, Jan. 24, the Raiders will take part in Hockey Day Minnesota, marking the 20th anniversary of the event. Hastings will face East Ridge at 1 p.m. at the United Heroes League Ice Rink in Hastings. The game will be broadcast by FanDuel and is expected to draw one of the largest crowds the program has hosted.
Following that showcase, Hastings heads back on the road for three more games. The Raiders will travel to Osseo on Tuesday, Jan. 27, for a 7 p.m. game at Dick Vraa Arena, then visit Simley on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. at Simley Vet’s Arena in Inver Grove Heights. Hastings will return home on Tuesday, Feb. 3, to host Rochester Century and John Marshall at Hastings Civic Arena, with puck drop set for 6:30 p.m.