Bemidji State Defenseman Ivana Bilic is in the middle of a career season.
About half-way through the schedule, she has already compiled more points (14) than she did all of last season (13).
The Warner Hockey School Alumunus from the British Columbia looks like she might feel more at home in Bemidji this year.
Bilic’s 14 points place her second on the team, only one behind forward Kaitlyn Tougas.
Bilic’s offensive outbursts have earned her two WCHA Defensive Player of the Week Awards. The scoring contributions may earn her the honors, but it’s the scoring prevention that brings her respect. Bilic has blocked 66 shots, which places her second in the country.
Bilic’s hard work and hockey intelligence have pulled her teammates up with her.
Freshman defenseman Alexis Joyce played mostly forward in high school and turned to Bilic for help in her conversion. The tutelage has resulted in Joyce blocking the third most shots in the country (60).
Bilic leads BSU in assists, also known as helpers.
The second name seems more appropriate for the defenseman.
Whether you need a goal or need to prevent one, help is on the way when Bilic takes the ice.

By — Shane Lee