Raiders beat Raptors, 4-0

After two periods of Saturday’s boys hockey game against East Ridge, Hastings held a slim 1-0 lead. That didn’t sit real well with coach Russ Welch, who didn’t like some of the things he was seeing on the ice.

Welch then got to work fixing the problem.

“I didn’t think we played great in the first two periods,” he said. “We decided to change up all their lines to start the third period. That kind of kick-started us. Everybody worked together, and they got the point that nobody is safe on any line. Our kids came out and played much better in the third period. It was kind of a wake-up call to some kids.”

Hastings went on to score three goals in the period, and they went on to win, 4-0.

Hastings is now 2-3 on the season.

Mark Huneke scored the first Hastings goal late in the first period. He was assisted by Adam Fox and Andy Neuman. It was Huneke’s first varsity goal.

In the third period, Nate Flynn scored the first Hastings goal. He was assisted by Colin Shoen.

Zach Mellick added the third Hastings goal, unassisted.

Andrew Bussey then added the fourth, assisted by Shoen and Matt Koch.

Shoen’s assist on Flynn’s goal was a key point in the game, Welch said.

“Colin raced down, beat the defender for the puck, walked out front and hit Nate,” Welch said. “Flynn got the goal, but Colin did all the work.”

Shoen’s assist on Bussey’s goal was an unselfish play. With no East Ridge goalie late in the game, Shoen and Bussey were on a two-on-one breakaway. Shoen could have shot the puck himself, but gave it up to Bussey, who buried it.

P.J. Piotrowski played in goal and earned the win with 27 saves.

“Colin and P.J. were the two guys who really stood out for us,” Welch said.

Vs Roseville

Hastings lost to Roseville on Thursday, 3-2. The game was one of missed opportunities for Hastings.

“We had tons of chances,” Welch said. “We hit four pipes. We had great chances to score and just couldn’t get the go-ahead goal.”

Hastings fell behind 1-0 at the 11:29 mark when Roseville scored on the power play.

Nate Flynn from Hastings, though, tied the score at 16:22. He was assisted by Zach Mellick.

In the second period, Roseville went ahead 2-1 with a goal at 2:14.

Hastings countered when Matt Koch scored, assisted by John Siebenaler and Tate Sykes. Roseville added the game winner later in the second period and went on to win.

Lenny Weiss played in goal for Hastings and made 34 saves on 37 shots.

Tags: raider hockey, sports, hastings, minnesota, spiral, prep