He’s been a National Hockey League all-star. He’s also a two-time winner of the Lady Byng Trophy — given every season to the NHL player voted to have the best combination of sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability.

Now Carolina Hurricanes 6’3” defenseman Jaccob Slavin is adding Team USA Olympian to his resume. 

The Carolina Hurricanes will be well-represented on the ice in Milan, Italy, as five players will suit up to represent their home nations. Sebastian Aho (Finland), Nikolaj Ehlers (Denmark), Frederik Andersen (Denmark), and late addition Seth Jarvis (Canada) join Slavin as Hurricanes Olympians.

It’s been a long journey for Slavin to make it to this week. 

Slavin grew up in Colorado as one of five siblings and was selected in the fourth round (No. 120) of the 2012 NHL Draft by the Hurricanes. But before starting his time as a pro, he played two years for Colorado College. He’s the ninth former Colorado College Tiger to compete in the Olympics. He debuted for the Hurricanes on Nov. 18, 2015, finishing his rookie season with 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) in 63 games.

Outside of playing, Slavin is a husband, father to two and a strong Christian. He’s very outspoken about his faith on social media and how it has impacted how he has raised his family.

“Our faith is the most important thing to us in our life,” Slavin said. “It’s just the lens I see everything through. So whether that’s playing the game of hockey or being a husband or father, it’s all for the glory of God.”

He hasn’t played as much this season so far, due to injuries. However, his ice time has steadily increased, and he seems ready for Milan. He remains the Hurricanes franchise record holder among defensemen in points, assists and shorthanded points (18).

In the 2024-25 season, he made the United States roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. While nothing is quite like the Olympic Games, this experience prepared him for what international competition looks like.

“I go back to last year with the Four Nations and just how awesome the hockey was playing against Canada, Sweden, and Finland,” Slavin said. “Those games were just intense. It was unbelievable hockey.”

Now a childhood dream of Slavin’s is becoming a reality. He’ll have his parents and wife supporting him in Milan, as he aims to help Team USA capture a gold medal. It won’t be an easy feat for the Americans, as they have managed to win gold only twice (1960 and 1980), with Canada dominating with nine golds.

“I think for the most part it was just excitement,” he said after learning he had made the Olympic roster. “Maybe a little bit of nerves for my wife having to fly overseas for the first time. My parents were there [when I found out] and it was something that they were excited for because obviously they’ve been there for my whole journey. They were probably more excited for me than I was for myself.”

The Hurricanes athletes will be competitors rather than teammates for the Olympics and some will face off against one another when Denmark takes on Team USA on Saturday. Before they came to Italy, Slavin talked about how all of the Hurricane Olympians would share logistics info with one another.

But Slavin isn’t focused on playing against friendly faces. He’s just keeping his focus simple.

“I think when it comes to playing against each other, once the puck drops, it’s just going to be a hockey game. 

If he does get some downtime, he’s hoping to see figure skating with his daughter and go to Lake Como. But his big goal remains the same.

“We’re there to win gold.”

Anna Laible is a play-by-play broadcaster, podcast host, and junior at UNC Chapel Hill.