Jake Sloan and the Tri-City Americans are focused on making the playoffs after missing out in 2022-23.

Jake Sloan is the type of player every team needs. He works hard both on and off the ice and sets a strong example for young players entering the organization. Now in his final WHL season, Sloan is looking to finish his Tri-City Americans career the right way and lead his team back to the postseason.

This offseason, Tri-City named Sloan team captain for the 2024-25 season. Sloan, who was an assistant last season, takes over from Alex Serraglio, who aged out and will be playing this year at the University of British Columbia. When asked about receiving the captaincy, Sloan explained that he is excited about the opportunity and ready to lead by example next season.

"I was just on my way to skate in Edmonton, and Bob (Tory) called me and let me know about the good news," said Sloan. "I was very, very happy to hear the news coming from him. Very honoured and looking forward to the season coming ahead of us.

When asked what it means to be a leader, Sloan explained that it means setting an example both on and off the ice. While most of the focus is on what players can do on the ice, Sloan understands that to be at your best, you must put in just as much work off it. This message is something he hopes he can instill in the younger players who are just entering the WHL and looking to make the Americans this season. 

"Off ice and on ice, it's the same thing. You have to prepare yourself mentally and physically as well. So, just doing all the little things, diet and nutrition, and getting extra minutes in the gym are all about that if you want to get more ice time. Just hoping to meet them that way and show them how to do it."

As mentioned, last season did not go as Tri-City had hoped. They missed the postseason and finished last in the U.S. Division. For Sloan, this was a learning lesson, one that he hopes will drive the team to not only make the playoffs but become a contender this year.

"Last year, we did not do as good as we wanted to, so this year, I think we just got to play together, be a team and just show more of that physical side. I think we have to toughen up a bit and show teams that we are a contending team this year. Expectation for this year's team: I feel like we should be able to be a playoff-contending team. No doubt we got the size, we got speed, we got talent. We should be able to be a contender."

Overall, the Americans have a strong team, which includes young players like Jordan Gavin and Jackson Smith. Both enter the season as top prospects and are projected to play critical roles for the organization. When asked about the two potential stars, Sloan described them as "Great offensively and defensively. They can see the ice very well, and they're just great guys off and on the ice."

As for some Sloan trivia, one fact that people may not know is that he was born in the U.K. before moving to Canada at the age of four. This means that Sloan is eligible to play both for Canada and Great Britain at the International level. While Sloan says no one from Team Great Britain has approached him yet, playing for his birth nation is something he has thought about. 

"I've not had any talk about that. I've been thinking about it like for fun. It would be amazing to go over there, maybe some time to do that, but I've not had any talks with anyone about that yet."

Sloan's final season should be one to remember. He has spent most of the offseason working on his skating, which, as he explains, has made him faster and stronger on the ice. Overall, it is clear Tri-City made an excellent selection when it comes to their captain, as Sloan is the type of player who leads by example both on and off the ice.  

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