Growing up in Erie, Jaccob and Justin Slavin were focused on hockey. When Jaccob was tapped to play for Team USA, Justin knew a lot of people ready to cheer him on.
BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. — Team USA was back on the ice for their first game of the Winter Olympics on Thursday, facing off against Latvia. It was a dominant start to the tournament for the Americans, as they won 5-1.
But one of Team USA’s players is no stranger to Colorado.
Jaccob Slavin grew up with his family in Erie. He and his siblings grew up on the ice.
His brother, Justin Slavin, still works close by in Boulder County as a SWAT member and sheriff’s deputy.
As for which of the brothers has the cooler job depends on who you ask. But when Jaccob got the invite to play for Team USA, Justin knew a lot of people would want to come out to cheer his brother on.
For years, Justin has spent his days keeping people safe in Boulder County.
“Oh yeah, I really enjoy it,” Justin said.
Sports were center stage in the Slavin home, quickly a focus for Justin and Jaccob.
“He definitely got it from me. I taught him everything he knows,” Justin said, laughing. “But he’s always been really good.”
So good that Jaccob now plays for the Carolina Hurricanes as a defenseman. Weeks earlier, Jaccob got the call that would land him on Team USA.
On Wednesday, another call connects the brothers from opposite sides of the world.
“Hey, bro,” Justin said, greeting Jaccob over Facetime.
“What’s up, bro-ski?” Jaccob said.
The pair chat about Milan and the matchups soon to come for Team USA on the ice, practicing with new teammates.
“That’s been fun. Ice has been brutal though,” Jaccob said.
Jaccob started playing hockey at the age of 2, a gift that’s carried him forward through the years.
“It was a sport that I absolutely loved, and now being able to do it for a living, definitely still love it and still love doing it. But just thankful for God for the platform he’s given me and the opportunities he’s given me, whether it’s Olympics or whether it’s being in Carolina and being a part of that community, just to be a light and to show the world God’s glory through the game of hockey,” Jaccob said.
Jaccob is now ready to represent his country on the rink.
“It’s just such an honor, and I think you ask any hockey player growing up, they want to win the Stanley Cup and they want to play for the U.S. Olympic team,” Jaccob said. “It’s just an extreme honor and love putting on the red, white and blue.”
With the first Olympic match up underway on Thursday afternoon as Team USA took on Latvia, cheers filled the air both on the ice and half a world away.
It doesn’t take long to hear a familiar name.
“So that’s him on the top left,” Justin said as he points out his brother as the commentators announce his brother on the Olympic screen.
Deputy Slavin supports Defenseman Slavin alongside his brothers in blue.
“It means a lot,” Jaccob said. “You know, they’re rooting for you. They’re cheering you on, and so, you take all the support, encouragement you can get.”
“It’s pretty cool to watch him. We’re super proud of him,” Justin said.
Thursday was the first of three games for Team USA men’s hockey in pool play. If they can keep winning, the gold medal match would be on Feb. 22.