Slater Hired as Head Coach of the Glacier Yetis U20
The Glacier Yetis are proud to announce Chris Slater as the head coach for their inaugural season in Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League (RMJHL). The Grand Junction based team will compete with the Aspen Leafs, Breckenridge Bucks, Colorado Rampage, Colorado Thunderbirds, and Pikes Peak Miners during the 2015-2016 season.
Chris Slater is a level 5 USA Hockey coach and graduate of Western Michigan University, and currently serves as the director/head coach of the Michigan Elite Brigade HS Selects. He recently spent three seasons as Head Coach in the North American Prospects Hockey League; U18 Midget Major AAA division. Coach Slater led the Detroit Falcons to a 3rd place finish in the 2011-12 NAPHL playoffs which was a franchise best. Prior to coaching the Flacons he spent two seasons coaching Junior A hockey, and two seasons as the head coach of the Western Michigan ACHA Division 1 team, where he led the team to a National Tournament Appearance in 2008.
Before his coaching career started, Chris Slater had a very successful playing career. He started as a junior player where he was named an NAHL Jr. A 1st Team All-Star two times, and was NAHL Defenseman of the Year in 1992-93. Along with the personal accolades he was also a two time NAHL Robertson Cup Champion. Chris went on to play for Michigan State University where he was named to the CCHA all-tournament team in 1995. In 2001 he was named to the ECHL Northern Conference All-Star team, and was also a member of the 2004 ECHL Kelly Cup Champion Idaho Steelheads. During his 7 year professional career he made stops in the American Hockey League, British Super League and English Elite League.
Chris Slater is a proven competitor and is ready to bring his hockey knowledge and experience to a growing hockey community in Grand Junction.
“I am very excited be a part of USA Hockey’s RMJHL and the Glacier Yetis. I believe players will have a great time in Grand Junction and a great opportunity to develop their game”- said coach Chris Slater
