Pardoski Named Alternate Captain

Penn State has announced that sophomore defender Jordin Pardoski will serve as an alternate captain for the 2013-2014 season.

While adding an underclassman to the leadership group might come as a surprise to some, the fact that it's Pardoski is not to anyone who has spent any time around the program. The Michigan native quickly made a name for herself as a freshman with her fiery pregame speeches, her intensity and effort on the ice and her off-ice rapport with her teammates. She was the Nittany Lions' leading scorer on the defense, although she's better known to most as a physical presence on a blueline including mostly puck movers. Her importance to the team will only increase as Penn State looks to take the next step as a program in NCAA year number two.

PSU will utilize three alternates this season, as captain Taylor Gross and alternates Jenna Welch and Lindsay Reihl all will retain their 2012-2013 letters.

Here's the full release from PSU:

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Penn State women's ice hockey head coach Josh Brandwene announced Tuesday that sophomore defender Jordin Pardoski (Rochester Hills, Mich.) will be the team's third assistant captain for the 2013-14 season.

"Jordin brings intensity, passion and enthusiasm to the rink every day," Brandwene said. "She is a terrific addition to an outstanding group of team leaders."

Pardoski joins senior captain Taylor Gross (Colorado Springs, Colo.), senior assistant captain Jenna Welch (Austin, Texas) and graduate student assistant captain Lindsay Reihl (Cheshire, Conn.) as the team's letter leaders.

Last season, Pardoski appeared in every game, leading the defensive corps in goals (3) and points (10), which ranked seventh on the team. The most aggressive player on the team, Pardoski also led the squad in penalty minutes (40). Additionally, Pardoski carried a rating of minus-two, the best amongst Nittany Lion defenders that appeared in more than half the team's games.

Penn State moves into $90 million Pegula Ice Arena on Sept. 9 with full team practices beginning Sept. 23. Following a four-game road trip to start the season, Penn State opens to Pegula Ice Arena on Oct. 18 against Union to start an eight-game home stand. The Nittany Lions return 24 letter winners, 98.6 percent of their scoring and all three goaltenders.