Josiah Slavin came to Colorado College already an NHL prospect after the Chicago Blackhawks selected him in the seventh round (193^rd overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft.

Earlier this week, the Erie native signed a two-year, entry-level contract with Chicago after his sophomore season and will head to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, the Blackhawks’ top affiliate.

“Now was the right time for me because I’m coming off a pretty good year with some confidence and I’m able to go up to the AHL and get some experience before my contract kicks in, so it’s a really good way for me to get my feet wet,” Slavin said.

Slavin led the Tigers this season with 13 points on five goals and eight assists. He recorded 13 points on the same five goals and eight assists as a freshman in 2019-20.

“We will miss having Josiah on our team in the future,” Colorado College head coach Mike Haviland said. “However, this is a wonderful opportunity for him and his family as he moves on to professional hockey. He will always be a Tiger.”

Giving up his final two seasons with Colorado College wasn’t an easy decision, Slavin said.

“I think I’ll remember my teammates and the bonds we had the most,” he said. “We had a really close group and would hang out outside of the rink together all the time and made a lot of memories on and off the ice together.”

In the bigger scheme of things, signing with Chicago is something that Slavin said will affect his overall faith.

“I think the thing I’m looking forward to most is being able to make an impact for God at a higher level,” said Slavin. “That’s the reason why I play this game, to glorify God and expand his kingdom. Being on a bigger stage with pro hockey, I can make a bigger impact.”

During his youth career, Slavin skated for the Colorado Thunderbirds, Hyland Hills Jaguars and Front Range Panthers.

Photo/Casey B. Gibson/Colorado College

— Matt Mackinder

(March 18, 2021)