Battlefords local and AAA Sharks captain Greir Slabaida will continue her hockey journey at the collegiate level next fall at NAIT. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

The Next Chapter

Sharks captain Slabaida commits to NAIT of ACAC

Jan 30, 2024 | 5:35 PM

Since breaking into the Saskatchewan Female AAA ranks with her hometown Battlefords Sharks back in the fall of 2021, Greir Slabaida has been working towards developing her game in hopes of one day advancing to play at the post-secondary level.

Fast forward to today, and it’s a goal the now Sharks’ captain can officially look forward to, having recently secured a commitment to join the NAIT Ooks women’s hockey team next fall, currently the top female program in the ACAC at 16-5 on the season.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Slabaida said. “It’s going to be a little scary going to Edmonton, but I think it’s a really good opportunity just to get to play that high level of hockey and continue growing my game.”

Slabaida said after attending campus for a meet-and-greet with the coaching staff and other players, it was clear NAIT made for the right choice for the next chapter in her playing career.

“It’s not too far away from home, their program has been there for a while and is doing very well right now, and they just have so many options to choose from, so it’s just a great opportunity,” she said. “I met a few of the girls and they’re very nice and the coaching staff just want to help you out any chance they can.”

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That hunger to grow as a player and continue to improve has been evident in Slabaida’s game over her time with the Sharks. She has improved her offensive totals each of her three seasons with the team while priding herself on being a reliable defensive forward as well, who can excel in all three zones of the ice.

Currently in the midst of a stellar third season with the Sharks – and first donning the captain’s “C” – Slabaida’s leadership has been evident on her way to setting new career highs across the board in goals (five) and points (eight) in 22 games.

Slabaida said her growth as a player this season wouldn’t have been possible without the help, guidance, and support of those around her.

“I just want to thank all my coaches from the past, my family and my parents for supporting me, and my teammates for pushing me to be the best I can,” she said. “Nolan [Horbach] is a great coach and has helped me develop my game, and my teammates have been so supportive. We’re definitely building stronger as a team and I can’t wait to see what happens in the playoffs.”

Coming off back-to-back wins over the weekend, Slabaida and her AAA Sharks teammates will return to action the second weekend in February, Feb. 10^th and 11^th against the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1