Williams, Grant "100% cleared"

Pat Christman/The Free Press

Minnesota State coach Mike Hastings said on Tuesday that goalie Stephon Williams and forward Chase Grant have been cleared to play this week in preparation for Saturday's NCAA Midwest Regional game against Miami. Eli Zuck, he said, is day to day.

The three players left last week's WCHA Final Five game against Wisconsin with injuries, leaving MSU's bench pretty thin by the end of the game.

Having the WCHA's Rookie of the Year in Williams in the net is key for the Mavericks, as is having the feisty sophomore forward Grant available. Zuck has been a top penalty killer for MSU. Thursday was his first game back in the lineup after missing the previous seven with an unrelated injury. If Zuck can't go against Miami, expect freshman Taylor Herndon to play on the fourth line.

Read more here.

Minnesota State will practice in Mankato Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning before leaving for Toledo.