John Slaney's hockey career is remembered for his time spent in both the National Hockey League (NHL) and various minor leagues. Born on February 7, 1972, in St. John's, Newfoundland, Slaney was drafted 9th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. His journey through professional hockey saw him play for several teams, showcasing his skills as a defenseman.
Slaney began his NHL career with the Washington Capitals, where he played parts of three seasons. During his time with the Capitals, he demonstrated his offensive capabilities from the blue line, although he spent much of his early career moving between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL). His tenure with the Capitals was followed by stints with the Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Philadelphia Flyers.
While Slaney's NHL career involved frequent transitions between teams, he found considerable success in the AHL. He became a standout player with the Portland Pirates, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals, where he was recognized for his scoring ability and leadership on the ice. His performance in the AHL earned him several accolades, including being named to the AHL All-Star team multiple times.
One of Slaney's most memorable achievements came during his time with the Philadelphia Phantoms, the AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. On January 21, 2005, he became the all-time leading scorer among defensemen in AHL history, surpassing the previous record held by Steve Kraftcheck. This milestone underscored his offensive prowess and solidified his reputation in the league.
In addition to his club career, Slaney also represented Canada on the international stage. He played for the Canadian national team in the World Junior Championships, where he scored the gold medal-winning goal in the 1991 tournament against the Soviet Union. This goal is often remembered as a highlight of his international career.
After retiring from professional play, Slaney transitioned into coaching, bringing his extensive experience and knowledge of the game to a new generation of players. His post-playing career included roles as an assistant coach in the AHL, where he continued to contribute to the sport he had dedicated much of his life to.
🏒