Game Preview: Hastings Raiders vs. Anoka Tornadoes – January 14, 2025
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 6:30 PM
Anoka Arena, Anoka, MN
The Hastings Raiders (5-8-1) will be looking to bounce back after a brutal 0-9 loss to Hill-Murray. Although they’ve struggled this season, particularly in defensive play, Hastings remains a team with potential. The Raiders are averaging 2.79 goals per game, led by Jon Harris (10 goals, 19 points), who is by far their most consistent offensive threat. Alongside him, players like Brayden Krauth and Aden Cavness have provided valuable contributions, but the Raiders will need more balanced scoring to compete with the higher-performing teams.
The biggest challenge for Hastings has been their defense, which allows 4.21 goals per game. Charles Stoffel has been in net for most of the season, posting a 4.31 GAA and a .885 save percentage. While Stoffel has had some strong moments, the Raiders’ defensive lapses have cost them in many games. Additionally, their power play (14.3%) has been inconsistent, which puts extra pressure on the team to capitalize on even-strength opportunities.
Against Anoka, Hastings will need to tighten up defensively, limit penalties, and rely on their top players to generate offense if they hope to claim a road victory.
Key Players:
Anoka (5-8-0) enters this game coming off a tough 1-3 loss to Cambridge-Isanti. The Tornadoes have struggled all season to find a rhythm, particularly on offense, averaging just 2.54 goals per game. Luke Folstrom (5 goals) and Landon Lafferty (5 goals) have been the team’s top scorers, but Anoka will need additional contributions from the rest of the roster to put up more consistent numbers.
The Tornadoes’ defense has also been a weakness, with a goals-against average of 4.54, one of the highest in the Northwest Suburban Conference. In goal, Collin Rosenau has had an up-and-down season, sporting a 3.39 GAA and a .895 save percentage. While Rosenau has made some key saves, the lack of support in front of him has led to multiple high-scoring games for their opponents.
In this matchup against Hastings, Anoka will need to shore up their defensive play, generate more scoring chances, and improve their power play, which has converted just 8.8% of the time this season. If the Tornadoes can get their top line firing and limit turnovers, they’ll have a chance to snap their recent skid.
Key Players:
Both teams have struggled to find consistency this season, and this game represents a key opportunity for either squad to get back on track. Hastings has shown flashes of offensive power with Jon Harris leading the charge, while Anoka has had difficulty finding the back of the net on a regular basis.
Defensively, both teams have been vulnerable. Hastings allows 4.21 goals per game, while Anoka is not much better at 4.54 goals per game. In a game where defense could be the deciding factor, both teams will need to clean up their play in their own zones and stay disciplined.
Hastings has the edge with a slightly better power play percentage (14.3% compared to Anoka’s 8.8%), but both teams have struggled to kill penalties effectively. If either side can capitalize on the other’s mistakes in these areas, it could tip the balance in their favor.
