Former West Vancouver hockey academy student, Jacob Slipec, gets ready to start his NCAA career
WEST VANCOUVER, British Columbia –. September marks a new start for the academic year. An exciting start for both Omaha bound Jacob Slipec and his former Hockey Academy, The West Vancouver Warriors. After an unconventional previous season, both institution and individual have big plans for the next semester.
I’m extremely honoured and proud to announce my commitment to play hockey and further my education at the University Of Nebraska Omaha. Thank you to my family, coach’s, teammates, friends, and everyone who has helped along the way. #GoMavericks @OmahaHKY pic.twitter.com/uzUkKA0geE
— Jacob Slipec (@JacobSlipec) September 9, 2021
Slipec, 19, is the third student from the Academy to secure a Division I scholarship. The other players include Layton Ahac and Cooper Connell. These notable alumni are joined by numerous other graduates that have gone on to play in Junior leagues across the country.
The West Vancouver Hockey Academy is a relatively new program, starting up in 2015, and Slipec, a White Rock native, was on the inaugural team. He played in their Elite-15 division and was the first captain. Slipec began his CSSHL career closer to home with the Delta Hockey Academy, before joining the solo Hockey School on Vancouver’s North Shore.
After completing his two seasons with the West Vancouver Warriors he moved to the BCHL. In three years in the league, he bounced between an equal number of teams. He brought his physical style of play first to the Chilliwack Chiefs. He remained a Chief for just over a year, before moving to Powell River and then the Surrey Eagles.
Despite never staying long Slipec managed to gain momentum season to season. His point production grew in consistency each year. While, with the Kings this past season with Surrey, he totaled 14 points in 17 games, 11 of those goals. During this last unconventional condensed season, Slipec managed to showcase his ability to be a top-six forward, and produce consistently. Fellow former Eagle Michael Abgrall will be joining Slipec with the Mavericks.
Closing out unconventional years for both player and his former team, they can both look forward to a new start. For Slipec this new start will be found south of the border while the Warriors will be moving forward with their new partnership to the North Vancouver School District. They cited academic concerns as the motivating factor to separate ways from Sentinel Secondary. Their home arena will remain at Hollyburn while their new academic partner is North Shore Academy.
Hopefully, the academic focus that founder and director Nathan Fischer has emphasised, will give Slipec the tools necessary to succeed on his next leg of his journey. Moving forward North Shore’s lone Hockey School will be one to watch for up-and-coming talent.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
