Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – Bringing a strong work ethic, relentless motor and a great defensive skillset, the third blueliner announced in the 2025-26 Griffins women's hockey recruiting class is also set to make an impact now and in the future.

Leduc's Ana Djordjevic will join her St. Albert Slash teammate Jordan Brown and previously announced defensive recruit Marley Howes on the Griffins in the fall.

"Ana is a relentless competitor all 200 feet of the ice as she is quick to provide puck support in battles for teammates, and to challenge opponents with her skating and body positioning," said Griffins head coach Chris Leeming. "Ana's work ethic as a person and player is something that we are really excited about."

The 5-foot-5 Djordjevic was an effective penalty killer and played smart minutes for the Slash last season, adding three points in 28 games. She also had five points with the Slash in 2023-24 after previously playing for the North Central Impact organization.

"She's a great skater," said Leeming. "Her battle level and compete is really high. Coming into our level where players are bigger and faster, I think it's going to translate over once she adjusts. She's also our only right-shot defenceman, so that helps, as well."

And, Leeming added, Djordjevic's consistency is something he coveted. She doesn't need to find herself on the highlight pack to have made an impact.

"She reliably makes simple plays," he said. "She plays a hard, simple game, and is pretty consistent with that. That's something you look for in defencemen.

"Ultimately, the expectation for her is to come in and play simple, smart minutes and be difficult to play against in the D zone and build her game from there."