Liv Slater - A Journey To The VHL

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Liv Slater

A Journey To The VHL

 

 

Age: 24 years
Birthplace: Canada
Weight: 148 lbs
Height: 5’9
Position: Defensemen

 

Early Years

Liv Slater was born in North Vancouver, BC Canada and jumped into sports at an early age. An active and competitive child her parents sought out activities that would help get energy out and build on her competitive streak. You could say she was destined to be an athlete. Her parents were no strangers to sports with her mother being an Olympic gold medalist in Figure Skating and her father a former CFL player for the BC Lions. Slater throughout the early years tried a few different sports ranging from Swimming to Figure Skating and Football to Hockey. The comradery she found within the minor hockey league and love for the game is what got her to stick with it throughout the years. Determined to be the best and working with the team to help them succeed, Slater's competitiveness could be seen both on and off the ice. Her previous training in Figure Skating helped translate over to hockey making her a natural on the ice. Growing up in a community like North Vancouver really gave her a chance to succeed in the minor hockey league. She had the support of her peers and community. With hockey being a big part of the city ice time on rinks we're always available. 

 

As seen off the ice her competitive side still came through. Throughout her early school years you could find her dominating off the ice on spelling bees and honor roll lists. Coming from a large family with 4 other siblings, this made Slater only strive to be the best in an outward competition amongst siblings. A friendly rivalry with family if you will to help her succeed off the ice. 

 

This friendly rivalry she had with siblings helped socially to grow friendly rivalries on the ice with teammates. Some who would go on to join other teams or stay on the same team. It was a mutual encouragement between players that kept the love of the game going with the added pleasures of an, "I'm going to kick your ass" attitude. All kept in check of course.

 

Time in the VHLM 

Slater's love and passion for the game would bring her out of the minor hockey league and into the hands of the VHLM. From here she'd be drafted to the Houston Bulls. As someone who's never moved anywhere else before uprooting her  life to the States and being in Houston was quite a change. The move to Houston and playing for the Bulls was quite the turning point. As first Slater wasn't really putting herself out there much with her team but a few weeks after the move she put her all into the ice. It helped that after a few weeks of being in a new city she had the support of her team. She had positive teammates who'd show her around the city and her GM and AGM let her in on some tricks of the trade to help improve her game throughout the season. The tips she received from her GM and AGM really came through especially in the offseason. 

 

 

Offseason and Drafts

During the offseason Slater was drafted to a few different tournaments. The WJC, JST and the Pro-Am. Slater really stepped up in the JST and was given a chance to showcase her talent. A leading defensemen throughout the tournament she dominated it consistently, catching the eye of those drafting not just in the VHLE but in the VHL as well. She was making waves at such an early start in career and as a junior player all eyes were on her. 

 

Draft time came and with the excitement from the offseason buzz Slater eagerly awaited the draft results. For both the VHLE and the VHL Slater was drafted 7th overall! She couldn't believe she was a first round pick being up against some big players in the league. The hard work from the offseason tournaments and the VHLM were paying off. Slater for S88 in the VHLE would be playing for Oslo Storm and for the VHL S89 she was drafted to the Chicago Phoenix. 

 

 

Time in the VHLE and VHL Future 

Being drafted to Oslo was an exciting opportunity to play for a stellar European team with an amazing track record of winning the cup. Slater was going to help Oslo bring the cup back. Moving to Oslo was an incredible experience. A fan of the comedic duo Yelvis, the scenery of Oslo and the country's history, Slater knew she was going to enjoy her time there off the ice as well as on the ice. 

 

The first several games for Slater had her falling short of her teammates. Her defense was lacking and her scoring was down. She knew she was up against some tough opponents who had more skill than her. Working with her GM she focused on revamping herself and dedicated her time to learning new skills which would soon pay off. After a few weeks Slater's points throughout the games were going up. Her defense was getting stronger and goals were becoming more frequent. About a third of the way through the season in the VHLE, Slater is continuing to hold her own and prove herself an invaluable player to the Oslo Storm. She is enjoying her time with her team and is looking forward to continuing her career after the VHLE in the VHL with the Chicago Phoenix. 

 

During her downtime Slater can be found volunteering her time to those in need. From organizations like the Vancouver Food Bank to Hockey 4 Youth. Slater tries to help out where she can. She acknowledges the privileged life she has and how lucky she is to have the opportunity to play hockey growing up. She hopes to inspire, help and encourage other youth to go after their dreams and aspirations for sports and will continue her volunteer work on and off the ice. 

 

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