The Hastings Raiders girls hockey team entered the week with a 3-10-1 record and spent three days in New Hope competing in the holiday classic tournament. Hastings opened play Monday, Dec. 29, against Bemidji, which came in at 9-1, then faced Bloomington Jefferson, 5-9, on Tuesday, Dec. 30, before closing the tournament Wednesday, Dec. 31, against St. Paul/Two Rivers, which entered the game 9-7-1. All three games were played at New Hope Ice Arena, with the first two contests at the North rink and the finale at the South rink. The stretch gave the Raiders a chance to test themselves against strong competition and build momentum heading into the new year.
Hastings opened the tournament Monday morning against Bemidji at New Hope Ice Arena North. The first period set the tone as Bemidji controlled possession early, outshooting Hastings 26-5. Hastings worked to settle into the game and defend through long shifts, but Bemidji scored once at even strength to take a 1-0 lead after one period.
The second period continued to be a challenge for Hastings, with Bemidji scoring three times while holding Hastings to just one shot on goal in the period. Hastings battled through extended defensive zone time and penalty kill situations, but the offense struggled to find space as Bemidji pushed the pace. The shots favored Bemidji 12-1 in the middle frame.
In the third period, Hastings continued to compete and generated four shots on goal, but Bemidji added four more goals to pull away. Hastings did not pull the goalie late as Bemidji maintained control of the game and limited scoring chances. Bemidji held a 10-4 edge in shots during the third period.
The final showed Bemidji with a 48-10 advantage in shots on goal. Hastings went 0 for 6 on the power play, while Bemidji went 1 for 2. Hastings had two minor penalties for four minutes. Addison Lanning made 40 saves in goal for Hastings.
Hastings returned to the ice Tuesday, Dec. 30, for an afternoon game against Bloomington Jefferson at New Hope Ice Arena North. Bloomington Jefferson scored early, but Hastings stayed within reach. The first period saw Hastings outshot 15-5 as Bloomington Jefferson took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
The second period marked a strong response from Hastings. The Raiders outshot Bloomington Jefferson 13-8 in the period and tied the game on a power play goal from Mackenzie Krauth, assisted by Olyvia Erickson and Sophie Thorkelson. Hastings used strong puck movement and pressure to shift momentum and carried that energy into the third period.
The third period was tight and physical, with neither team scoring. Hastings held Bloomington Jefferson to four shots while managing three of its own. The Raiders defended late pushes and forced overtime after sixty minutes of play.
Overtime saw Bloomington Jefferson score the game winner, ending the contest 2-1. Hastings finished with 23 shots on goal and went 1 for 4 on the power play. Hastings took four penalties for eight minutes. Addison Lanning turned in a strong performance in net with 32 saves.
Hastings wrapped up tournament play Wednesday, Dec. 31, against St. Paul/Two Rivers at New Hope Ice Arena South. The first period was fast paced, with Hastings answering early challenges. Hastings recorded five shots on goal while St. Paul/Two Rivers had 11. Hastings goals from Olyvia Erickson, shorthanded, and Stella Thurmes kept the game tied 2-2 after one period.
The second period shifted momentum toward St. Paul/Two Rivers, which scored once while outshooting Hastings 7-5. Hastings worked through penalty trouble and focused on staying within one goal heading into the third period.
In the third period, Hastings pushed back and generated seven shots on goal. Sophie Thorkelson scored late to cut the deficit to one, assisted by Mackenzie Krauth and Anni Schriefer. Hastings continued to press in the closing minutes, but could not find the tying goal as St. Paul/Two Rivers held on for a 4-3 win. Hastings did not pull the goalie late due to timing and faceoff location.
Hastings finished the game with 17 shots on goal. The Raiders went 0 for 2 on the power play and took three penalties for six minutes. Addison Lanning made 26 saves in goal.
Hastings will travel to St. Paul/Two Rivers on Fri, Jan. 9, for a 7 p.m. game at West St. Paul Arena, then head to Morris/Benson Area on Sat, Jan. 10, for a 3 p.m. matchup at Benson Civic Center. The Raiders return home Tue, Jan. 13, to face Simley at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Saturday matinee against Visitation on Jan. 17 at 2 p.m., before taking part in Hockey Day Minnesota on Jan. 24 at 9:30 a.m. against Park of Cottage Grove.