The girls hockey skid continued last week with back-to-back shutout losses. The Farmington Tigers (6-2) leapt into town on Dec. 11 dealing a major blow to the Raiders in the form of a 9-0 thumping. The Raiders then sailed the border to River Falls, Wi. to take on the St. Croix Valley Fusion (2-1) where Hastings fell 6-0.
The most recent week was also the most challenging stretch of action, facing a pair of tough opponents and learning some hard lessons along the way. While the scoreboard did not tilt in Hastings’ favor, the effort level remained steady, and the Raiders continued to gain experience against quality competition as the season moves forward.
Hastings opened the week Thursday night at Hastings Civic Arena against Farmington, a game that quickly tested the Raiders’ defensive resolve. Farmington struck early, scoring just 18 seconds into the game, and added two more first period goals to take a 3 to 0 lead after one. The Tigers maintained pressure throughout the night, finishing with a heavy edge in shots on goal and capitalizing on special teams opportunities. Hastings struggled to generate offense, managing seven shots over the course of the game, but continued to battle through all three periods.
Addison Lanning handled the goaltending duties for Hastings and faced a steady barrage, turning aside 55 shots despite the 9 to 0 final. Farmington added three goals in the second period and three more in the third, including power play and shorthanded tallies. Hastings had one power play opportunity of its own but could not convert. Penalties were limited on both sides, with Hastings taking two minor penalties in the game.
Even with the lopsided score, the Raiders showed perseverance, particularly in goal, where Lanning remained composed under constant pressure. Players such as Anni Schriefer and Olyvia Erickson logged key minutes and worked to disrupt Farmington’s attack as best they could. The final horn marked a tough result, but also one that underscored the level of competition Hastings continues to face early in the season.
Farmington 9, Hastings 0. Farmington scored three times in each period and outshot Hastings 64 to 7. Addison Lanning made 55 saves for the Raiders.
The following night, Hastings traveled to River Falls, Wisconsin, to take on St. Croix Valley Fusion at the Wildcat Center. The Raiders showed improvement in puck movement and shot generation, finishing with 23 shots on goal, but once again found themselves unable to solve the opposing goalie.
St. Croix Valley Fusion opened the scoring on a first period power play and added two more even strength goals before the first intermission to take a 3 to 0 lead. Hastings had chances to respond, drawing several penalties and earning three power play opportunities over the course of the game, but the puck would not find the back of the net.
The Fusion extended the lead with two more goals early in the second period and added a final goal midway through the third to seal a 6 to 0 victory. Lanning again started in goal for Hastings, stopping 21 of 27 shots. Defensively, the Raiders worked to block lanes and limit second chances, with players like Haley Siebenaler, Kyndra Otto, and Mackenzie Krauth bringing physical play and energy, particularly during a chippy first period that featured offsetting roughing penalties.
Despite the score, Hastings stayed competitive in stretches, especially at even strength where the shot totals were relatively close. The Raiders continued to skate hard through all three periods, an important step as they look to turn effort into results moving forward.
St. Croix Valley Fusion 6, Hastings 0. The Fusion scored three times in the first period and finished with a 27 to 23 edge in shots. Addison Lanning made 21 saves for Hastings.
Looking ahead, the Raiders will have opportunities to regroup and build momentum with a busy schedule coming up. Hastings returns home Tuesday, Dec. 16, to host South St. Paul at Hastings Civic Arena with a 6:30 p.m. start. The Raiders then hit the road Saturday, Dec. 20, for a morning matchup at Visitation at St. Thomas Ice Arena, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Hastings closes out the pre holiday portion of the schedule Tuesday, Dec. 23, with a home game against Rochester Mayo at 6:30 p.m., before returning to action after the break on Tuesday, Jan. 6, with a road game at Hill-Murray at Polar Arena, starting at 6 p.m.
As the season continues, Hastings will look to build confidence, generate more offense, and turn strong individual efforts into team success.