Sierra Raatz has emerged as a beacon for aspiring hockey players from Dickinson, North Dakota, demonstrating that a competitive hockey career can extend beyond high school. After concluding her senior year on the Dickinson girls’ varsity team in 2023, Raatz initially believed her time in the sport was over. A pivotal conversation with her brother, however, reignited her passion and motivated her to pursue collegiate hockey.
Reflecting on her journey, Raatz emphasized the importance of persistence. “I want people to realize that you can make it through senior year, and if you love the game, why stop?” she stated. Her resolve is particularly important given that the Dickinson program has historically seen limited players progress to higher levels of competition. Raatz’s experience now serves as a powerful example for younger athletes.
After starting her collegiate career at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, Raatz currently competes for Adrian College in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). During her time at Lake Region, she accumulated nearly 40 points over two seasons, showcasing her skills and determination on the ice.
Deep Roots in the Hockey Community
Coaching has been a significant aspect of Raatz’s life, influenced by her father, Don Raatz, a longstanding figure in the Dickinson youth hockey scene since the early 1980s. His dedication to the sport has shaped the development of countless local players. The Raatz family often practiced in their backyard, where they created a makeshift rink that became a cherished environment for skating and honing skills.
“I remember being a little kid, and my dad would take a two-by-12 and put it up as a border, then throw down some tarp and put some water in it,” Raatz recalled. This small-scale setup laid the foundation for a love of hockey that would last a lifetime.
When the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department dismantled an outdoor rink near the Big Sticks baseball field, Don Raatz seized the opportunity to enhance their backyard rink. He transported spare boards from the old rink, further enriching the family’s hockey legacy. “I remember one day I was so confused, because he was showing up with this trailer full, and I was like, ‘That’s from the rink, what are you doing?’” Raatz shared, reminiscing about the excitement of the new additions.
The Raatz backyard rink stood as a community hub until it was dismantled last year as the children grew older. Raatz expressed her fondness for those days, stating, “Stepping on the ice of a rink is awesome, but there’s something about stepping on the outdoor rink that just sounds 20 times better.”
A Bright Future for Dickinson Hockey
As Raatz continues her collegiate career, she remains optimistic about the future of hockey in Dickinson. Her involvement in coaching younger players has fostered a growing interest in the sport, particularly among girls. “If you could get a JV team, like how the guys have it, I think the more we can get the women’s program and the girls’ program to grow, that’ll be for the better,” she noted, recognizing the potential for expanded opportunities.
Currently in her third season of college hockey, Raatz stands as a modern example of the sport’s growth in the area. “Knowing that you can keep playing after high school is a huge thing, and not a lot of athletes in any sport get to do it, let alone being from North Dakota,” Raatz said. Her story serves as inspiration for young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in hockey, regardless of the challenges they may face.
In a landscape where opportunities can seem limited, Raatz’s journey illuminates the path for future players in Dickinson, motivating them to continue their passion for hockey well beyond high school.
