Bemidji Girls Hockey Dominates Hastings 8-0 in Holiday Classic

Bemidji High School delivered a commanding performance to open tournament play at the Holiday Classic in New Hope, defeating Hastings 8-0 on Dec. 29, 2025. The Lumberjacks dominated territorially, outshooting Hastings 48-10, and closed the game with a 10-save shutout by goalkeeper Lily Lauer.

Offense came from multiple sources. Bailey Rupp recorded a hat trick, scoring twice in the second period and adding a third goal in the third period. Forward Millie Knott finished with a four-point night, registering two goals and two assists. Playmaking helped sustain the attack, with Megan Berg credited with three assists. The final line score read Bemidji 8, Hastings 0.

Bemidji spread its scoring across all periods, building an early lead and then pulling away in the middle stanza before closing out the win in the third. The Lumberjacks held control of possession and zone time, reflected in the 48-10 shot margin and their ability to convert chances throughout the game.

Defensively, the team was efficient in front of Lauer, limiting high-quality chances for Hastings and clearing rebounds cleanly. Lauer stopped all 10 shots she faced to secure the shutout, while the Bemidji penalty kill and defensive structure helped prevent the opponent from gaining sustained momentum.

For the local community, the result is significant on several levels. The decisive win in a holiday tournament setting highlights the depth of Bemidji’s program and provides a confidence boost for players and fans during a crowded winter sports schedule. It also offers tangible evidence for coaches and school administrators as they evaluate team performance and roster development heading into January conference play and postseason positioning.

Youth players and local supporters who attend tournament games often track these showings as indicators of program health and future competitiveness. A performance like this can increase attendance, engagement and grassroots interest in girls hockey across Beltrami County, while underscoring the importance of continued investment in school sports and facilities.

Bemidji will carry the momentum of this 8-0 victory forward as the Holiday Classic continues and as the team prepares for the remainder of the winter season.