Hastings v. Mounds View Boys' Hockey Preview

(photo caption) The Hastings Civic Arena will play host to an SEC matchup Thursday night between Hastings and Mounds View.

The Hastings Raiders boys' hockey team looks to continue its mid-season resurgence tonight as they prepare to host the Mounds View Mustangs tonight at the Hastings Civic Arena.

Hastings comes into the game with a 10-7-1 record, 6-3-1 in Suburban East Conference play. Mounds View is 5-12 overall, 1-9 in the SEC. Game time is 7:30 pm.

The Raiders, coached by Russ Welch, are coming off of two consecutive wins in knocking off conference rivals and perennial state tournament threats Roseville and White Bear Lake.

Hastings has been led this season by sophomore forward Derek Stepan. Stepan, who paces the Raiders' attack with 16 goals and 13 assists, is the son of former New York Ranger draftee (5th round, '85) Brad Stepan.

Mounds View's attack is led this year by senior forward Kolby Dahl's 23 points (12-11) for coach Brad "Whitey" Schwartzbauer's Mustangs. Schwartzbauer, in his first season at Mounds View, is a former Colorado Rockies (MLB) farmhand.

The Mustangs, losers of four straight, are looking to turn their season around.