By Bruce Karnick

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With COVID restrictions being a big possibility for the winter, Ryan Stoffel gathered the varsity boy’s hockey team to play in an early, interim league until the MSHSL starts the official school season. This team played its final two games on Thursday and Friday before the restrictions took effect. Thursday, Southwest Christian Academy came to town. The Journal stopped by to check out the game and get some additional practice of our own behind the camera.

It was a fast-paced game played in a two-half format. This format allows for a game to be completed a little quicker, maximizing limited ice time for all the area teams. Each half was 25 minutes, with a 15-minute break to resurface the ice and give the boys a break. The first goal of the game was by Conner Stoffel at the 0:49 mark with Joe Benson and Alex Thompson on the assist. At 7:37, Jax Schauer scored to make it 2-0, Kyle Bauer and Benson on the assist.

Early in the second period, Jager Kendall added a power play goal, assisted by Schauer and Bauer to make it 3-0. A few minutes later, SWCA would score their first goal of the game to make it 3-1. Schauer was assisted by Bauer to make it 4-1 Hastings. SWCA would have their comeback attempts stopped just shy of tying it when they scored two late goals to make it 4-3.

Three players earned trips to the penalty box for Hastings. River McDowell made the trip twice, once for roughing and the other for interference. Alex Thompson got a roughing call and Kendall was called for Charging. SWCA had one player sit out for roughing.

The Hastings Goaltenders split time on the ice. Tyler McCarville started. McCarville faced 15 shots and saved 14 for a .9333 save percentage. Kody Niederkorn finished the game and earned the W, saving 21 of the 23 shots he faced for a .9130 save percentage.

Hastings finished their Legacy Season 6-1. They won their last game over St. Louis Park 10-4 on Friday night.

Overall season stats leaders for Hastings were: Points – Connor Stoffel with 23, Kyle Bauer with 19, Luke Savage with 18, Jax Schauer with 15 and Jonathon Peine with 14.

Goals – Jax Schauer finished with 9, Jake Harris – 8, Jonathon Peine – 8, Kyle Bauer – 7 Connor Stoffel -7

Hastings Raiders “Legacy Team” made up of Varsity players, leaves the ice after defeating Southwest Christian Academy 4-3 on Thursday night. Photo by Bruce Karnick

United Heroes League President, Shane Hudella (in brown) working with an army of local and MN Wild volunteers and UHL staff to assemble one section of their newly donated NHL sized ice rink courtesy of Log House Foods in Plymouth. Photo by Bruce Karnick

Hockey fans know an NHL sized sheet of ice is huge, but nothing puts that size into perspective better than seeing a jeep and two ATV’s holding up the side of the ice rink and all the pieces scattered around waiting to be a s s embled . Photo Submitted.