Two Colorado Thunderbirds alumni, close friends, defense partners protecting the blue line together for 2 seasons, both moving on to play USHL, both made college commitments to Colorado College and played one season together, both drafted by the NHL, and this week, Jaccob Slavin and Gustav Olofsson both made their NHL debut one day apart.  It doesn't get much better than that!

Jaccob Slavin, played defense for the Colorado Thunderbirds from 2006-2011 before moving on to play for the USHL Chicago Steel, then on to play for 2 seasons with Colorado College.  Slavin was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round, 120th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft, and this past summer signed a three-year entry level contract with the NHL Carolina Hurricanes.  Jaccob was recalled by the Hurricanes on November 19 and played in his first NHL game on Friday, November 20, against Toronto with his parents in attendance.

Jaccob is the son of proud parents Rob and Wendi Slavin of Erie, Colorado, and has three siblings that has played, or is playing, for the Colorado Thunderbirds.  Jordan played Tbirds from 2006-2007 before playing on the North Dakota Women's team; Josiah is playing on the Tbirds 18U team this season and was drafted by the Tri-City USHL team; and Jeremiah is playing on the Tbirds 11U team this season. The Slavin family is a valuable resource for the Colorado Thunderbirds Association as they have been a host family for Tbirds out-of-state players for many years.  

Teammate and best friend, Gustav Olofsson, played defense for the Colorado Thunderbirds from 2009-2012 before moving on to play for the Green Bay Gamblers.  Olofsson played for Colorado College before being drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 2nd Round, 46th overall in 2013.  Gustav made his NHL debut on Thursday, November 19, against the Boston Bruins after being recalled on November 18.

Gustav is from Broomfield, Colorado, and proud parents are Hakan and Ulrika Olofsson.    Gustav's younger brother Fredrick also played for the Colorado Thunderbirds from 2009-2013 before moving on to play USHL Chicago Steel, was drafted by the NHL Chicago BlackHawks in 2014, and is currently playing for Nebraska-Omaha.  Gustav also has a younger brother, Jesper, who plays hockey as well.

The Colorado Thunderbirds wish Jaccob Slavin and Gustav Olofsson, as well as both families, the best of luck as they continue their hockey career!  We look forward to watching Jaccob and Gustav play more this season!