Canadian Studies checked in with Cal Bears Ice Hockey coach Jeff Slusarz. Coach Slusarz has completed his 5-year term as Cal’s head coach, after an impressive Pac-8 playoff run this year. Cal has three Canadian players, coach Slusarz notes “Jordan Thompson (defense) and Ethan Crick (goalie), both from Alberta are still with the team” adding that the Albertans “have remained key members of the team. Jordan has been the team president this season. Another addition has been Gabriel Giammarco who was born in Toronto.” Giammarco, the coach pointed out “has been one of the top scorers for the team this season.”
Looking back at the 2018-2019 Cal Ice Hockey season, coach Slusarz had this to say, “The team finished the season strongly and achieved a first place finish in the PAC-8 South Division. Wins over USC, UCLA, SJ State, Oregon, Stanford and SD State highlighted the season. The game with Stanford has been a crowd favorite for several years. This year was no exception, with a full house crowd at the Oakland Ice Center.”
Coach Slusarz was awarded Pac-8 Hockey Coach of the Year in the 2017-2018 season. Chris Linden will be taking over as coach next season. Coach Slusarz added, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Cal Ice Hockey Team. I plan to stay connected to the Canadian Studies Program.”
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