The Hastings Raiders girl’s hockey team entered the week with a 6-18-1 record and drew a tough postseason matchup in the Class 2A, Section 3 quarterfinals. Hastings, the No. 8 seed, traveled to Apple Valley Sports Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, to face No. 1 seed Apple Valley girls’ hockey, which came into the game with a 15-10 record. The neutral site playoff game was played in the evening with a 7 p.m. start and marked a win or go home moment for the Hastings Raiders girl’s hockey.
The opening period moved fast and featured long stretches in Hastings defensive zone as Apple Valley pressed early. The Eagles scored twice in the first six minutes, but Hastings responded quickly and showed energy despite the early deficit. Mackenzie Krauth scored at 5:53 of the first period on an even strength chance, finishing a play set up by Anni Schriefer and Sophie Thorkelson to cut the score to 2-1. Apple Valley added another late first period goal to take a 3-1 lead into the first intermission. Hastings managed six shots on goal in the opening period, while Apple Valley fired 22 shots, forcing goalie Addison Lanning to stay sharp from the start.
The second period settled into a more controlled pace for Hastings, especially defensively. The Raiders spent time killing penalties and looked to slow the Apple Valley transition game. Hastings was unable to convert on its power play chances, but the group limited scoring opportunities and kept the margin at two goals. Hastings recorded five shots on goal in the second period and did not allow a goal, giving the Raiders a chance to regroup heading into the final period despite trailing 3-1.
Apple Valley regained momentum early in the third period, scoring a shorthanded goal less than three minutes in. That goal opened the door for more sustained pressure as Hastings worked to push the puck up ice and generate offense. The Eagles added three more goals as the period went on, including a power play tally and a late even strength score. Hastings continued to compete and generated eight shots on goal in the third period but could not close the gap. There was no pulled goalie situation as Apple Valley maintained control throughout the final minutes.
Hastings finished the game with 19 total shots on goal compared to 47 for Apple Valley. The Raiders were called for three penalties totaling six minutes, while Apple Valley had four infractions for eight minutes. Hastings went 0 for 4 on the power play, while Apple Valley finished 1 for 3. Krauth led Hastings with the lone goal, and assists were credited to Schriefer and Thorkelson. Lanning made 40 saves in net on 47 shots, battling through heavy traffic and multiple odd player rushes in the loss.
The season came to a close with the quarterfinal defeat, wrapping up a challenging year for the Raiders. Hastings graduates several players and will look to build on the experience gained this season as the program turns its focus toward offseason development and preparation for next winter.