The 2024-2025 season for the Hastings High School boy’s hockey team was a testament to resilience, growth, and the unwavering spirit of young athletes. Under the guidance of Head Coach Matt Klein, the Raiders navigated a challenging schedule, showcasing their determination and commitment to excellence on the ice.
Season Overview
Competing in the competitive Metro East Conference, the Raiders concluded the season with a conference record of five wins and five losses, securing fourth place. Overall, they achieved eleven victories, fourteen losses, and one tie. This performance reflects the team's ability to hold their own against some of the state's top high school hockey programs.
Offensive Highlights
Throughout the season, the Raiders' offense was marked by its tenacity and ability to capitalize on opportunities. Over the course of 26 games, the team netted 87 goals, averaging approximately 3.3 goals per game. The distribution of goals across periods was as follows: 27 in the first, 32 in the second, and 28 in the third. Notably, the team demonstrated a strong presence in the second period, often shifting the momentum in their favor during these crucial minutes.
Special teams played a significant role in the Raiders' offensive strategy. The power play unit converted 14 goals, while the penalty kill unit contributed with 8 shorthanded goals, underscoring the team's versatility and preparedness in various game situations.
Defensive Strengths
Defensively, the Raiders faced formidable opponents but managed to hold their ground. They conceded a total of 98 goals throughout the season, with 25 in the first period, 39 in the second, and 33 in the third. The team's defensive resilience was particularly evident in the first period, where they allowed the fewest goals, setting a solid foundation for the rest of the game.
Memorable Games
Several games during the season highlighted the Raiders' competitive edge and ability to perform under pressure:
Dec 7: Hastings 6, Simley 2
In a thrilling away game, the Raiders secured a huge victory over The Simley Spartans. Hastings clung to a 3-2 lead heading into the third period with goals by Lukas Niederkorn, Brody Carlson and Brayden Krauth. The defense held strong in the final period, fending off a late surge from the Spartans and three different Raiders scored, Luke Wahlstrom, Niederkorn and Krauth, to clinch the win.
Jan 23: Hastings 10, Simley 1
Demonstrating offensive prowess, the Raiders dominated Simley with a decisive 10-1 victory. The team showcased depth in scoring, with contributions from multiple players, and the defense limited Simley's opportunities, reflecting a comprehensive team effort.
Feb 6: Hastings 1, St. Thomas Academy 4
In a closely contested match, the Raiders faced what should have been a narrow defeat against St. Thomas Academy. Despite the loss, the game was a testament to the team's resilience, with Jon Harris netting a power-play goal in the second period, keeping the Raiders competitive throughout the first two periods. The Raiders had STA on their heels for most of the first 35 minutes of play as displayed by the Cadets’ frustrations on and off the ice. STA finished the game with a fluke goal early in the third and an open net goal with just under three minutes remaining in the game.
Player Contributions
The season's success was a collective effort, with numerous players stepping up at critical moments. Jon Harris led the team with 26 goals, 19 assists and 45 total points. Brayden Krauth had 29 points from 13 goals and 16 assists. Brody Carlson logged 19 points from four goals and 15 assists to round out the top three.
Charlie Stoffel and Nick Smelser split time between the pipes. Stoffel logged 24 games with 897:29 minutes, a 5-12-1 record where he faced 688 shots on goal saving 615 for a 4.15 goals against average and a .894 save percentage. Smelser has 23 appearances good for 441:51 minutes with a 6-2 record. He faced 232 shots saving 209 for a 2.65 goals against average and a .901 save percentage.
Looking Ahead
With the season complete, the Raiders can reflect on their accomplishments with pride. The experiences gained, lessons learned, and bonds formed will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future success. With a blend of returning talent and emerging players, the future of Hastings High School boys’ hockey appears bright.
The 2024-2025 season will be remembered not just for the wins and losses, but for the perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication displayed by the Raiders. The community stands behind these young athletes, eager to support their continued growth both on and off the ice.