Q&A with Junior Forward Jim Slater
9/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Sept. 22, 2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. - After being named Spartan team captain by head coach Rick Comley, junior forward Jim Slater (Lapeer, Mich) is prepared for his new position with the team. As he gets ready for the 2003-04 season opener, Slater looks to lead the Spartans by example.
Last season, Slater finished second on the team with 18 goals and ranked third in total points with 44 en route to being named a member of the All-CCHA First Team. He became the first Spartan since 1996 to register five-points in a game with 1-4--5 totals in 7-0 shutout of Nebraska-Omaha (Jan. 18).
Slater has appeared in 74 career games for the Green and White and has totaled 29 goals and 47 assists for 76 points.
Q. Are you excited about being named the Spartan team captain?
A: I'm thrilled. It's been a couple of days since I actually heard the news, and it has kind of sunk in. When I was told by Coach Comley, I was just thrilled. I called everybody.
Q. How did your parents react when they found out?
A: I called them. My family said congratulations. They don't get really excited, just tried to keep a good frame. I'm sure when I got off the phone with them they kind of did something.
Q. How do you think that your role on the team is going to change now that you are the team captain?
A: It's going to change a little bit, but I am not going to change around the guys. I feel comfortable in how I do things. I'm not going to change my attitude or the way I play or anything, but just be a little but more open-minded.
Q. What do you think the strong points of the team are going to be as of now, before the season has begun?
A: I definitely think our forwards are real strong. We have three deep lines with the forwards coming back. That's a lot of lines to have. We also have Migs (junior goaltender Matt Migliaccio) coming back after a full year, where he gained confidence.
Q. Are there any specific, personal goals that you have set for yourself?
A: I really wouldn't say I have any for myself. Basically, I just put my hardest effort out there every night and give this team the best chance to win. I don't really have any personal goals - all team goals.
Q. What are the team goals?
A: We definitely want to win championships. We need to bring everyone together and be on the same page. We start off quick at home and just carry it from there. We need to be both mentally and physically stronger each day.
Q. What is your favorite pre-game meal?
A: Well, we only get one? My all-time favorite ... you have to go with a baked potato with ranch on it, and then chicken with ranch and salad with ranch; basically anything with ranch.
Q. Who was your favorite hockey player growing up?
A: I would have to say Steve Yzerman. He has played with the Red Wings for a while, and he's done a lot of great things there. We still have season tickets to go down there and watch him.
