« Hockey 2011-12

Ian Slater

School
Western Michigan
Position
Forward
Major
Communications
G
3
A
7
PTS
10
+/-
+3
GAA
---
SV%
---

Classroom

Slater is on schedule to graduate with a degree in communications.

Character

Slater has shown tremendous leadership with the hockey team, being named as an assistant captain his sophomore year. He captained the team last year during an incredible turnaround that saw the Broncos finish in last place in the league and then improve to finish fourth for the first time since 1996. He will once again captain the team during his final season, making him one of three Broncos in program history to hold a leadership role for three seasons. Slater’s leadership has been particularly needed during the past two off-seasons in which WMU has had to hire a new coach prior to each season. Last year, then WMU head coach Jeff Blashill counted on Slater to keep the team motivated during off-season workouts when the coaching staff was not yet in place. He was once again counted on this summer when Blashill left to join the Red Wings and WMU once again conducted a national search.

Community

As the captain, Slater has been at the forefront of WMU hockey’s charitable efforts. He has led every hospital visit the Broncos have taken, including distributing over 500 teddy bears from the teddy bear toss. He also formed a special bond with a young boy named Gideon and his brother Brody (highlighted by Gideon’s mother in this youtube video she made for the team http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSGyAs-BpCI).

Competition

Slater had a career year last year with eight goals and eight assists for 16 points, with two of his goals registering as game-winners. Through his play and leadership on the ice, he helped lead the Broncos to the CCHA Championship game for the first time since 1986 and to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996.