The 2024-25 season for the Hastings High School girl’s hockey team was a journey marked by perseverance, development, and the inevitable transition that comes with high school athletics. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jim Joseph, the Raiders navigated a challenging schedule, showcasing moments of brilliance and resilience. Hastings finished with a 10-14-2 overall record and 2-4-1 in conference play.
Season Overview
The Raiders commenced their season with a promising 4-1 victory against Rochester Mayo on November 9, 2024, at the Rochester Graham Arena Complex. This win set an optimistic tone for the team, highlighting their potential and cohesion. However, as the season progressed, the team faced formidable opponents, leading to a series of challenging games. Notably, on February 5, 2025, the Raiders faced Rosemount in the Class 2A, Section 3 quarterfinals. Despite a valiant effort, they concluded their postseason journey with a 1-4 loss at the Rosemount Community Center.
Senior Contributions
The end of the season also marked the culmination of high school careers for several dedicated seniors:
Jade Schauer - Senior Forward: Schauer’s speed and technical abilities gave her an edge over many defenders she faced which helped her co-lead the team with 27 total points. She was second in goals with 11 and first in assists with 16.
Addie Seleski - Senior Defense: As a defenseman, Seleski's ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions was invaluable. Her commitment to the team's success was evident in every shift. Seleski co-led the team with 27 total points, she was second in assists with 15 and first in goals with 12.
Victoria Steinke - Senior Goalie: Steinke’s presence between the pipes provided stability and confidence to the team's defense. Her quick reflexes and leadership were instrumental throughout the season. Her work ethic and positive attitude were contagious, fostering a supportive team environment.
These seniors have left an indelible mark on the program, and their contributions will be remembered by teammates and coaches alike.
Emerging Leaders
With the departure of the seniors, the mantle of leadership now passes to the underclassmen, who have shown promise and dedication:
Anni Schriefer - Freshman Forward: Schriefer demonstrated offensive prowess this season, landing her in third on the team in total points. Her vision on the ice and ability to find the back of the net make her a key player for the upcoming seasons.
Olyvia Erickson – Junior Forward: Erickson is a fierce competitor with a lot of great skills on and off the ice. She was fifth on the team with total points with seven goals and nine assists. The team will look to her to take on a huge leadership role in her senior season.
Alyssa Sandquist - Sophomore Goalie: Sandquist relieved Steinke in key games throughout the season, showcasing her agility and composure under pressure. Her performances have laid a strong foundation for her to take on a more prominent role next season alongside junior goalie Addison Lanning.
Josie Hamann – Junior Defense: Hamann's defensive skills and ability to transition the play from defense to offense have been commendable. Her consistency and determination make her a natural leader on the blue line.
Looking Ahead
The 2024-25 season, while challenging, provided invaluable experience for the Hastings Raiders. The lessons learned and the growth observed set a promising stage for the future. The coaching staff should be optimistic about the team's trajectory. With Coach Joseph’s focus on skill development, strategic play, and fostering a cohesive team culture, the Raiders should continue to make positive leaps forward.
The community's support remains unwavering, and as the Raiders look ahead, there's a collective anticipation for what the future holds. The foundation laid this season, combined with the emerging talent, positions Hastings High School girls’ hockey for a resurgence in the coming years.
In high school sports, success is measured not just by wins and losses but by the growth, resilience, and camaraderie developed along the way. The 2024-25 Hastings Raiders embodied these virtues, setting the stage for a bright future.
With that, the Raiders will graduate eight seniors from the varsity roster, Kacey Plank, Jade Schauer, Clare Rieder, Lauren Muhl, Grace Petrich, Lillian Dostal, Addie Seleski and Victoria Steinke. We would like to give the departing seniors a huge thank you for the years of commitment to the hockey program and we wish them the best of everything in their future endeavors.