”New season, new life—same goal.” In a year that could deliver not one, but two shots at greatness—read: a Stanley Cup + Olympic gold—Jaccob Slavin remains as humble and chill as ever.
While skating toward literal history is no small feat, the Canes’ quiet cornerstone remains dialed in on what drives him—both on and off the ice. Now littering almost every awards watch list with a near-lock Olympic slot and a chance to finally push a franchise that’s long been flirting with the Cup, “Slavo” is just as likely to bend your ear about philanthropy, faith and family as he is about hockey.
This very well could be the year of Slavo—but either way, for the principled father of two, it’s just another chance to serve: with his game, his community and the people who drive him. We sat down with the defenseman in front of what is primed to be his biggest season yet to get to know the man off the ice—and bend his ear for some bold predictions.
What made Raleigh stick? The area, the people—just so many cool opportunities and situations God’s placed in our life over the 10 years, like our work with Raleigh Rescue Mission, Raleigh Dream Center, Refugee Hope Partners and a golf tournament I help co-host. It’s home.
Courtesy of Canes
Let’s talk family: How’d you end up adopting your daughter? My wife always had adoption on her heart. … After an event with a story about a 6-year-old boy who was adopted, on the way home, she said, ‘I want to adopt.’ It’s been so fun.
Game. Birth. Game. Walk us through it. That was 2019. We played Game 1 in Washington on Thursday—first time we made it back to the playoffs. She was born Friday in NC. Then we had Game 2 in Washington Saturday. I was there for all of it.
Memorable moments? For Canes, the Stadium series… but, personally, representing Team USA at the Four Nations last year was so cool—that game in Canada was unbelievable. And playoffs: Game 1 against Washington in 2019… I don’t think I’d ever heard the rink that loud. I was like, ‘Playoff hockey is awesome. And Raleigh is awesome.’
ESPN dubbed you the Team USA “Quiet Hero”—do you buy it? I don’t. I think that just comes with how I play the game and not being super flashy. I try to do my job as a defenseman and stop the best players.
Humility vs. confidence—how do you juggle it? It goes back to my faith. I’m only out there to glorify God, not to impress me or anyone else. Big picture, it doesn’t affect who I am as a sinner in need of grace. I can’t get prideful because I still need someone to come from Heaven and save me.
With the Olympics and playoffs, is this your biggest year yet? I try to go into each game and season with the same mindset: ‘What is my purpose here?’ We want to win the Cup. That’s everyone’s goal. First and foremost my allegiance is to my NHL team, but anytime you get to represent your country, you do it with pride and give it your all.
Last year’s playoffs lessons? We shot ourselves in the foot last year. Going down 3-0 in a series makes it hard to crawl back. Some goals we gave up were on mistakes—mismanaging the puck, penalties. We can’t be giving teams of that caliber those opportunities. In Game 4, we managed the puck well, played our game—and we won. Florida’s gone to the Cup the past three years because they stick to their game plan and execute it well.
The Eastern Conference Finals hump—what’s it gonna take? I don’t think it’s a head game… it’s more how guys are going to step up when that big moment comes. We need everyone to be playing their best hockey at that time.
People say you’re underrated—does that fire you up? I don’t feel disrespected. There are so many other good defensemen out there. I know I’m good at what I do, but I know the offensive guys are really good at what they do.
Bold prediction? Nikishin wins the Calder.
Is this the year? It definitely could be. We got better this offseason. We just have to get there and do it.
If not hockey? I gravitate to sports. Baseball was my other main sport, but I’d probably want to be a pro golfer—though I don’t have the skill for it.
Raleigh go-tos? Prime Barbecue—great food. My wife and I like Brewery Bhavana. We go to Marbles with the kids, and we like Blue Jay Point.
Current binge? Alaskan Bush People with my wife
In your earbuds? I love Christian hip-hop—KB, Lecrae, Andy Mineo. Forrest Frank is getting up there too.
Pastime off the ice? I enjoy cooking. I recently got into trying to learn how to smoke meats.
Before they shine in the City of Light, the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team will splash on the scene in the Triangle for Domestic Training Camp. Translation: The world’s top aquatic athletes—having historically included the likes of Mark Spitz, Rowdy Gaines, Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky and Natalie Coughlin—will be defying gravity (never mind the need for oxygen) here at Triangle Aquatic Center June 28–July 10.
It wasn’t that long ago that the Triangle scoring a Trials grab would be unthinkable. Sure, the area is clearly suited for swimmers—home to such greats as Olympic gold medalist and Wolfpack alum David Fox (whose TAC TITANS alum son is now attending Olympic Trials), Ashley Twichell, and Cardinal Gibbons’ alums David Greeley and Claire Curzan (see sidebar), to name but a few; a storied NC State swim team; some of the country’s most competitive year-round swim programs (including the TAC TITANS); and a citywide swath of swim clubs that make Tarheel Swimming Association summer swimming a perennial starting block for every child’s “if you can see it you can be it” dream.
But if you had stepped on a pool deck when Fox struck gold in the ’90s and forecasted the Triangle as a Trials destination, you’d have been accused of being in a fever dream. Now, that dream isn’t some farfetched fantasy. It’s a reality. And, adding to a long list of local accolades—NHL Stadium Series, rumblings of MLS and MLB Raleigh among them—it’s also another huge indication of just how significant a slice of Southern real estate the Triangle has fostered. “USA Swimming’s confidence in TAC and our community speaks volumes about how Cary and this region embraces and supports major sporting events,” says Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance Executive Director Scott Dupree.
Essentially, whether you’re a swim fan or not, having TAC lap up the Trials is just plain epic. Given the training camp only occurs in line with the summer Olympics’ four-year schedule, “this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Triangle,” says TAC Executive Director Derek Wall. “Everyone should be proud to live in an area with such quality infrastructure and amazing resources”—like TAC—and “the incredible RDU Airport just minutes [away].” Add to that, Raleigh’s position on the East Coast makes for a quick (direct!) pond jump to Europe.
As for the facility itself, it’s one of the only single-campus facilities in the nation—and optimally set up to host camp, thanks to the recent addition of an outdoor 50-meter pool and state-of-the-art fitness center to its 50-meter and short-course pools, not to mention ample parking and bus access… all of which “significantly reduces athlete travel and simplifies logistics” while upping R&R time, says Wall, who is also husband to Olympic (2020 Tokyo) repeat hopeful Twichell. Then there’s the Triangle’s straight appeal as an “ideal location” compared to other large metropolises, he adds—think airport size, temperate environment and relatively low traffic.
Now that camp is upon us, the excitement is at a fever pitch. Beyond star power, bragging rights and adding to an ever-expanding civic résumé, the Training Camp also seeks to generate remarkable economic benefit and visitor spending to the Triangle, as both Wall and Dupree note.
“But this is about much more than economic impact,” says Dupree, “The U.S. Olympic Swimming Team training in Cary shines a spotlight on TAC and positions it as a premier, national destination for swimming at the highest level. USA Swimming’s confidence in TAC and our community speaks volumes about how Cary and this region embraces and supports major sporting events.”
Much like the NHL Stadium Series, this puts us back on the world’s stage. “TAC, Raleigh and the Triangle are getting looks from other governing bodies and countries for our ideal conditions and facilities we have to offer to athletes such as swimmers and triathletes,” says Wall. And it’s not necessarily an Olympic one and done: With the 2028 Olympics in LA, he says, this area makes an ideal stop for many European Olympic teams.
That said, “we are extremely excited to host the 2024 [U.S. Olympic Swimming Team] before their departure to the Paris Games,” emphasizes Wall. “We are proud and humbled that USA Swimming recognizes the significant effort TAC has made to build the ideal training environment for swimmers. We give our all to grow the sport of swimming every day and are excited that this effort is being acknowledged both locally and nationally!”
SAVE THE DATE: July 5, 4:45–7:30pm | TAC
Lap up cocktails and apps while mingling with special guests (think David Fox, Claire Donahue and Charlie Houchin) and watching the 2024 USA Olympic Team train at this Stars and Stripes Soiree. triangleaquatics.org
SAVE THE DATE: July 6, 8:30–11:30am | TAC
Meet the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team and grab autographs before they head to Paris. Space is limited to the first 1,000, nonperishable food donations for Dorcas Ministries required for entry. triangleaquatics.org
Dive In With the Locals
Ashley Twichell
Apex resident Former + hopeful Olympian
Team that raised you: I grew up swimming for the Syracuse Chargers in my high school years.
Raleigh go-tos: I love Torchy’s, Tazza—and Angus Barn is my absolute favorite!
Thing you miss most from Raleigh while away: My massage therapist, Wellness by Lia
What motivates you? I like pushing myself to be the best I can be in practice every day—the best version of myself. I want to show my son what it looks like to work hard toward a goal and then compete to achieve it.
Most challenging facility to compete at + why: In 2011, I competed at the Pan American Games in Mexico, which was at altitude. I swam the 800m free in Mexico City and to date it’s still the hardest 800m I have ever done.
Go-to routine before a big race: Ice cream the night before. Preferably soft serve!
Reflecting on the dream: I remember in high school when I was trying so hard to get my first ever Olympic Trials cut thinking how cool it would be to be able to tell people I was going to be competing at the Olympic Trials for USA Swimming. I never would’ve dreamed I’d now be going to my fifth Olympic Trials—and having already been to one Olympic Games!
Claire Curzan
Cary native/resident UVA student Former + hopeful Olympian
Team(s) that raised you: Started as a Reserve Stingray in TSA at age 3, then competitively at age 7 for RSA [before] moving to TAC before I went to college
Raleigh go-tos: Sushi-Thai, Umami Japanese Steakhouse, First Watch, Fenton shopping for sure!
Things you miss most from Raleigh while away: My family and friends—and especially my dogs!
What motivates you? Personal growth and always striving to push past my limits. I like being able to race my own best times to try to propel myself to uncharted territories.
Most challenging facility to compete at + why: 2024 World Champs in Doha—the ceiling was curved so sightlines for backstroke caused you to drift into the lane lines.
Go-to routine before a big race: Some go-tos are Starbucks before finals sessions, having my lucky boots to walk out in, and watching Diners, Drive-ins and Dives between sessions.
What you’d tell your younger swim self: Enjoy the process and journey because it goes by so much faster than you think—and always show appreciation to your support system. Being on my own now in college has shown me how much they sacrificed to help me get where I am, and I am forever grateful for their continued support!
David Greeley
Durham native Harvard student Olympic hopeful
Team(s) that raised you: Duke Aquatics developed my love for the sport; NCAC kept that passion; and TAC helped me take it to an elite level.
Raleigh go-tos: Cook Out—unfortunately this NC original hasn’t made its way to Boston.
Thing you miss from Raleigh most while away: Friends, family and Southern hospitality
What motivates you? Fulfilling my potential—and my family, friends and coaches who have sacrificed so much for me to be where I am
Most challenging facility to compete
at and why: Greensboro Aquatic Center—water
is freezing; deck is drafty; and pool has a
funky taste.
Go-to routine before a big race: No real routine—only key is to keep steady and conserve energy before the big race!
What you’d tell your younger swim self: Don’t obsess over the time, rather focus on the little decisions day in and day out. Time is a reflection of the quality of these decisions.
WEB EXCLUSIVEPress play: The esports and game design industry is booming both here in Raleigh and beyond.
Tell your mom and dad that all those years sitting in front of a screen playing video games wasn’t a waste of time, it was career prep (seriously). Esports and game design is one of the world’s fastest growing industries (it’s projected to surpass $1 billion in revenue for the first time this year and grow at a rate of 400% in the next seven years, to $4.28 billion, according to Data Bridge Market Research)—just look at the Olympic Virtual Series (OSV) which debuted esports competitions (think virtual regatta, auto racing, baseball and more) at the 2021 Summer Olympics for the first time ever.
And following in the Olympics steps, Raleigh’s own William Peace University just launched two new bachelor’s degree programs: Interactive Design and ESports, and Gaming Administration in an effort to help students capitalize on this growing industry. WPU has also invested in a brand-new ESports lab, which is currently under construction and expected to open this fall.
“These programs tie in well with our Believe In Peace Strategic Plan,” says WPU President Brian Ralph. “Interactive Design and ESports will add to our distinctive identity.”
According to Forbes, Raleigh is the second hottest area in the U.S. for tech jobs, evidenced by the numerous video game and esports companies that call the City of Oaks home, along with various esports events held here, including the Carolina Games Summit, where there are also college scholarships on the line.
Additionally, Epic Games (with Turnbridge Equities and Denali Properties) recently purchased the 980,000-square-foot and 87-acre Cary Towne Center, with the goal of converting the property into a new campus by 2024. So, obviously, those WPU majors couldn’t have come at a better time.
“ESports and Gaming Administration is a perfect fit for Raleigh and for WPU,” Ralph adds.
If you still think that esports are just for nerds living in their parents’ basements, you’re in for a real culture shock. So get ready for a tech takeover here in Raleigh—and beyond.
Olympic BMX freestyle will be making its debut in Tokyo this year, and local athlete Nikita Ducarroz is preparing to take on the challenge.
A new Triangle resident, Swiss-American Ducarroz relocated to Holly Springs from San Diego and has been training in her athletic “bubble” since last year. Now, with competitions ramping back up again and the Olympics right around the corner, Ducarroz—who will join the Swiss team—is settling back into the swing of competing.
“This past year was the first time in our careers that we had this uninterrupted time to focus only on training and learning new things without too much fear of getting hurt,” says Ducarroz of her time training at the Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex in Holly Springs.
Although Olympic BMX racing has been around since Beijing in 2008, the new freestyle event will give athletes 60 seconds to perform tricks and skills, adding some flair to the Ariake Urban Sports Park, also home to BMX racing and skateboarding.
Ducarroz, who received her first BMX bike in the summer of 2010, enjoys the challenge of competitions and is simply trying to stay healthy, stay on her bike, and dial into the last few things she needs to dial into before she fully gets back into competing. And getting back into the sport has not always been easy for her.
“There’s definitely a little bit of an adjustment just being in one place for so long when we’re used to moving, moving, moving all the time,” says Ducarroz of the difference from a normal competition year.
“And, for me, I have a lot of anxiety and panic about traveling and even just going out and doing things outside of my house. To not be in that routine of doing things made it harder once we were able to start going out and traveling again, and set me back a little bit, but, other than that, I’d say it was almost a blessing in disguise.”
Ducarroz has struggled with anxiety, depression and panic attacks throughout most of her life, and has credited BMX riding for pulling her out of it. Through her professional platform, Mind Tricks (@m1ndtricks)—a safe place for both athletes and nonathletes to discuss difficult issues—she shares those struggles with the world in hopes of helping others who may be going through mental health issues as well.
“Anybody can share their stories about mental health, and the goal is basically to encourage them to feel OK about it,” says Ducarroz. “Hopefully other people will read it and see that even professional athletes whom they really look up to—who seem to have a perfect life—struggle with the same things that they struggle with—and that’s OK.”
This month gymnastic (and ballroom dancing) fans can meet one of their idols, 2016 Olympic Gold gymnast Laurie Hernandez, who also clinched the Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing With the Stars. In fact, it was dance partner Val Chmerkovskiy who encouraged Rodriguez to attend the Southern Women’s Show. There, guests will have an opportunity to see Hernandez on stage talking about her new book, “I Got This: To Gold and Beyond,”or purchase tickets for an exclusive meet-and-greet with her. We spoke with the athlete about her journey to the top.
You’re a role model to many young people.
I take it as a big responsibility and do my best to inspire the younger generation as they look and see that everything is possible as long as they work hard and put their minds to it.
What’s one of your favorite Olympic highlights?
Going to the cafeteria to meet with other athletes from around the world—learn what sports they do, where they’re from, their culture. It was amazing to see all the different body types—basketball players from Cuba who were 7 foot 5—and then there was us, who were 5 feet tall.
You epitomize grit. What advice do you give others?
As a kid I had this dream of going to the Olympics, and I worked really hard to get there. Once people hear about my story or read my book, they’ll be able to see that not everything was rainbows and butterflies. I went through a lot of hard spots—injuries, extremely rough workouts. I hope they see [what it’s like] dedicating everything to the sport and having to be homeschooled since third grade. In the end I was able to go to the
Olympics. It truly paid off.
Who else helped you along the way?
My family played a big role in me achieving my goals.They supported me through rough days. Even the times when it was hard for me to keep going, they told me that they believed in me.
How did you get involved with “Dancing with the Stars?”
Before the Olympics my family and I would watch the show. My dad would always nudge me and say, “Hey, maybe one day you’ll be on the show.” He really believed that, and I love dancing. So when I [heard] I was going to be on the show, my dad was the first person I told.
What’s next?
I would definitely come back to gymnastics.I would take a small break first because this past year has been a whirlwind. But there are three years until the next Olympics, and I had such a great time in 2016, I would love to experience it again.
