The Hastings Raiders boys hockey team entered the week with a 9-7-1 record and faced two strong tests, opening at home against Waconia which ended in a 2-2 tie. Then the action moved outdoors against East Ridge at Hockey Day MN with a 3-1, hard fought loss.
Hastings hosted Waconia, which came in at 8-6-2, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Hastings Civic Arena in a non-conference matchup that began at 7 p.m. The Raiders set the tone early in the first period, using steady puck pressure to control play despite limited offensive chances. Hastings scored midway through the period when Jonas Schauer finished an even strength chance at 6:34, with assists from Will Savage and Joey Leonard. The goal gave Hastings a 1-0 lead, even as Waconia outshot the Raiders 8-2 in the opening period. Nick Smelser was sharp in net, turning aside all eight first period shots to keep Hastings in front.
Momentum shifted in the second period as Waconia found its offense. The visitors tied the game at 7:08 on an even strength goal, then added a second goal at 14:32 to take a 2-1 lead. Hastings worked to respond, creating more chances and drawing penalties, but could not score in the period. Shots were more balanced, with Waconia holding an 8-6 edge in the second.
The Raiders pushed hard in the third period and were rewarded on the power play. Finn Zaruba scored at 10:33 with Hastings skating a man advantage, with Brecken Fullerton picking up the assist. The goal tied the game at 2-2 and energized the home crowd. Hastings outshot Waconia 10-4 in the third period as play stayed fast and physical. Neither team scored again, sending the game to overtime.
The extra session was scoreless, with Hastings holding a 4-5 shot disadvantage. The game ended in a 2-2 tie. Hastings finished with 22 shots on goal compared to Waconia’s 25. The Raiders went 1 for 8 on the power play, while Waconia went 0 for 8. Hastings was assessed eight penalties for 24 minutes. Smelser earned the tie in goal with 23 saves.
Hastings returned to the ice on Saturday, Jan. 24, facing East Ridge, which entered the game 8-9, at the United Heroes League Ice Rink. The game was part of the Minnesota Wild Hockey Day MN event and was played outdoors in very cold conditions, with the game time temperature at minus three degrees. Before the opening faceoff, Wild owner Craig Leipold, general manager Billy Guerin, former North Star Mike Modano, and Hastings native Tom Sagissor took part in a ceremonial puck drop. The national anthem was performed by the Wild’s anthem singer, John deCausemeaker.
The Raiders struck first in the opening period. Carter Hanson scored at 2:35 on an even strength play, assisted by Carter Strong and Jonas Schauer, giving Hastings an early 1-0 lead. East Ridge answered with a power play goal at 5:45, then added two more even strength goals later in the period to take a 3-1 advantage. East Ridge controlled the puck for much of the period and outshot Hastings 25-4.
The second period was scoreless as Hastings worked to settle the game and limit chances. East Ridge continued to carry the shot advantage, outshooting the Raiders 11-5, but Hastings goalie Charlie Stoffel made key saves to keep the deficit at two goals.
In the third period, Hastings pushed for a comeback but could not break through. East Ridge allowed few clean looks and finished the period with a 7-3 shots edge. Hastings did not score, and the game ended with a 3-1 East Ridge win.
East Ridge finished with 43 shots on goal, while Hastings had 12. The Raiders went 0 for 2 on the power play, and East Ridge went 1 for 2. Each team took two penalties for four minutes. Hanson scored the lone Hastings goal, with assists from Strong and Schauer. Stoffel made 40 saves in the loss.
Hastings will return to action Thursday, Jan. 29, traveling to Simley for a 7 p.m. game, then will host Rochester Century and JM on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m. The Raiders will also visit St. Thomas Academy on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m., travel to Mahtomedi on Feb. 7 at 3 p.m., host Two Rivers on Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m., and close the regular season at Rochester Mayo on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m.