It took the entire month of October, but UND women's hockey coach Brian Idalski feels that the goaltender situation is finally clearing up.
Sophomore Stephanie Ney has emerged as the No. 1 in UND's stable of three capable goaltenders.
Although Ney didn't start until UND's fourth game of the season, she has appeared in six in a row now. Two of those times came in relief appearances.
Her numbers are very solid. Ney has a 2.47 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. Freshman Jorid Dagfinrud's numbers are 2.68 and .918. And senior Brittany Kirkham was pulled in her only start last Friday after 34 minutes, 33 seconds.
"Ney has moved to the front," Idalski said. "She gives us the best chance game in and game out to win. That's where we're going and we'll probably stay in that for a while."
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Idalski said that Ney will start tonight against Ohio State. If she plays well, she'll start again on Saturday afternoon.
"She's earned that opportunity," he said. "She's been consistent. She's been better in practice. She's doing some of the things we've asked of her to do. So, it's kind of hers to lose at this point. That's the way we're going to go the next few weeks."
Ney and UND's team defense will have a difficult assignment this weekend. Ohio State is averaging 3.6 goals per game, fourth in the NCAA and second in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
Standout freshman forward Hokey Langan leads the team with seven goals, eight assists and 15 points through 10 games. Sophomores Laura McIntosh and Natalie Spooner are right behind Langan with 13 and 12 points in 10 games.
"Watching some tape of them. . . wow," Idalski said. "They have some kids who are pretty talented, scoring 32 goals already. They've also given up 32 goals, which is more than anyone else is giving up.
"It could be interesting for a club like ourselves. We've struggled to find the back of the net periodically, so it's going to be a nice contrast of styles. We'll see who can exert their will this weekend."
Notes: Alyssa Wiebe's five points last Friday in a 5-4 overtime victory against St. Cloud State sets a new school record for single-game points. . . UND's players tallied 18 points against the Huskies -- 17 came from freshmen or sophomores. The other came from a junior. . . After this weekend's series, UND doesn't play a regular-season game until the day after Thanksgiving.
Reach Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com .
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Ohio State at UND
When: 7:07 tonight, 4:07 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Ralph Engelstad Arena.
Radio: The Fan (1440 AM).
Records: UND 2-5-1 (2-5-1 WCHA); Ohio State 4-3-3 (4-3-1).
Of note: After this weekend's series, UND doesn't play a regular-season game until after Thanksgiving.
