What It Means To Be A Spartan
11/26/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Nov. 26, 2003
It's game day in Spartan Country and junior captain Jim Slater slips his Green and White sweater over his head and onto his pads. The weight of wearing the Spartan colors is heavy enough. But as team captain this season, Slater has additional weight on his shoulders.
"When you see that letter 'C' on a jersey, it gives you pride and a lot of respect for what you do. It means a lot to me," said Slater. "Now I have to try and be the best player out there and get my team ready for the game. I need to play with my best effort and bring back a win."
Slater bleeds Green and White, and knows about the respect that is given as a result of being a NCAA-I athlete, and on top of that, a captain. Captains need to lead on and off the ice, and that is precisely what he does.
The Lapeer, Mich., native has found his role in Michigan State hockey as the silent leader. Slater likes to lead by example and knows the boundaries he and his teammates have.
"I'm not a very vocal guy in the lockerroom. The guys have their own thing that they need to do to get ready, but when something needs to be said, you bet I'm right there," said Slater. "But I like being that leader by example on the ice."
Because he demands the most from himself, he's able to put that same pressure on the team he leads.
 Jim Slater earned All-CCHA First-Team honors in 2002-03.  | |
"Jim has a special aura about him," said freshman forward Chris Lawrence. "He strives for perfection and expects it from everyone else. He makes you work harder and become better without even knowing it. That's leadership, and that is why he is one of the biggest parts of our team."
The 2003 CCHA First-Team honoree finished third on MSU and eighth in the CCHA overall scoring race with 18-26-44 totals last year. He earned CCHA All-Rookie honors in 2002, after ranking second in the CCHA and tying for fifth nationally among freshmen in points.
"He's got great speed and power," said MSU head coach Rick Comley "He's also a very determined who can play in a lot of different situations, and has the ability to make the other players around him better. So that makes him a very special player." In 2002, Slater became the first Spartan since 1990 to be drafted in the first round of the NHL draft when the Atlanta Thrashers selected him with the 30th overall pick. Still he knows that the hard work and pressure don't stop there.
"Nothing is set in stone," remarked Slater. "Even after the draft, every year after your draft year is so important because you have to show that you really belong there. You have to earn that respect from everyone. Being drafted is a step in the door, but you have to work harder to take it to another level."
His father Bill, who played collegiate football at Western Michigan and professional football for the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots, has shed a little light into professional sports for his son.
"My father has been a great influence," said Slater. "Just to see the way he worked out and the tips he's given me were really helpful. He's been there and has seen what it's like. He's always there for me and knows the right words to say."
With great support from his parents, he's always able to look into the stands and see their familiar faces.
"They're really supportive. My parents have four kids and somehow they've managed to make sure no kid is above another," Slater said. "They found a way to always be there for us and stand right by us no matter what. They've spent a lot of money on us but it's worth it because they've seen some great things, too."
He's already proven himself both on and off the ice, but more than anything he wants to be remembered as, a great player, leader, and as someone who never quit on the ice or off the ice.
"I'm proud of the tradition and pride that goes into MSU hockey," remarked Slater. "Michigan State hockey has had a lot of legacies and to be a part of that and continue the legacy is just an unbelievable feeling. It's a great honor to have the Michigan State cress on your chest."
"I also want to be part of the team that brought the championship back to Michigan State," commented Slater.
With that goal in mind, Slater knows his assignment - play hard and play to win.
