The UND women's hockey team will have the services of one of its best defensemen this weekend.
Sophomore Jordan Slavin has been cleared to play against Minnesota (6:07 p.m. Friday, 4:07 p.m. Saturday) after missing the first four games of the season with a leg injury. Slavin suffered the injury during the summer and has slowly been working her way back.
"Obviously, Jordan physically matches up well against power forwards," UND coach Brian Idalski said. "She's a strong kid for us. We'll ease her back in. We won't be playing her (Chris) Pronger minutes out of the chute."
UND's defensive corps was a question mark heading into the season, especially after senior Kelly Lewis quit during fall camp. The Sioux moved forward Ashley Furia back to defense and rookies Madison Kolls and Ariel Monarez have seen more action than originally planned.
Even with Slavin's return, Idalski said the coaching staff plans to keep Furia on defense. That means Kolls and Monarez will likely battle for the last spot in the lineup.
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"It will create a little more depth and competition for playing time," Idalski said.
Slavin, of Erie, Colo., is expected to be one of the top two defensemen this season. She helped the U.S. to a silver medal at the Under-18 tournament in April, finishing with two assists and a plus-six rating.
Slavin played in all 34 games as a freshman, registering three goals, four assists and 32 penalty minutes.
"It's nice to have her back," Idalski said.
Ney honored
UND junior goalie Stephanie Ney is the defensive player of the week in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
Ney stopped 30 of 32 shots on Sunday, leading the Sioux to an upset win over then-No. 1 Minnesota-Duluth. She also added an assist on a third-period goal.
The Duluth game marked Ney's first action of the season. She had been sidelined with an injury.
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In 33 career starts, Ney has a .909 save percentage and a 2.95 goals-against average.
Reach Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com .
