Opportunity has knocked for Denver’s Slava Demin, and the sophomore hasn’t hesitated to answer.

He’s taken on top-four minutes on defense and has become a fixture in a shutdown pairing with senior Michael Davies. Yet the 2018 draft pick of the Vegas Golden Knights has continued to post solid offensive numbers, particularly of late. He’s on track to surpass his freshman total of 14 points.

The affable Californian took time out this week to speak with MagnessMayhem.com about learning to play hockey at a mall, how his game has grown at Denver, what attending his first NHL prospect camp was like and the close-knit nature of the Pioneers.

Did you have any favorite memories playing hockey in California?

The most fun thing I remember was in NorCal, where I was born. I played for the Cupertino Cougars. We played on the bottom level of a mall. It was a good time. I’d skate and after that go up and buy candy with my mom at concessions. Going to the rink as a kid, in a mall, it was so much different that what you’d imagine. You hear stories about guys in colder climates going out to play on outdoor rinks and here I am skating in a mall. It’s just a different scenario than other people are put in, but it was fun to go every day. I had a blast.

Two attributes of yours that jump out to me are your skating and your poise with the puck. What have you done to develop those?

From an early age I figured out skating was a big part of hockey, and I’ve been lucky that my parents were passionate about the sport. They would always sign me up to do skating lessons. I got pretty lucky with the coaches I had teaching me. From an early age I was practicing that part of my game, and as I grew up I realized how big of a component it was. I try to keep working on that. … On poise with the puck it’s something I’ve had since I was younger and I try to keep developing it because it’s a big part of my game.

Did you have a favorite team or players?

I went to a lot of San Jose Sharks games and practices when I was younger. That was my favorite team. I was always a fan of hockey, so there wasn’t one specific player. I’d try to watch everyone and learn as much as I could. Obviously guys like Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau were great. I didn’t watch D men as much when I was younger. I loved to watch guys score goals.

What is behind the closeness on the Pioneers, particularly your sophomore class?

When you talk to anyone who is an alumni or who is playing on the team, the first thing they’ll tell you about Denver is how close-knit we are. We’re basically a family, a brotherhood. I think everyone is close, especially our sophomore class. What makes us close is you come in during the summer and do 6 a.m. workouts with all the guys. You’re thrust into the college lifestyle right away. You’re all fighting to get up at 6 a.m. and go to class in the summer. Just spending the time together. During our freshman year we were all living in the dorms and hanging around each other 24/7, going to class together, doing homework together. All the freshmen are on the same page and same schedule, so it’s hard not to be on the same page.

This past summer you had an opportunity to attend your first prospects camp with the Vegas Golden Knights. What did you learn from that experience?

It was a great experience. Meeting the staff, meeting the other prospects and getting a feel for what that organization is all about was good. It was a learning experience. I got to be around the culture and got a feel for what that organization is like. I took a lot away from that camp, from talking to the coaching staff. They gave me tips on what to work on. It was huge for me to get a gauge for of where my game is at compared to other prospects and get that feedback from the organization and work on it throughout the summer.

What is it like playing for a couple of former defensemen at Denver (David Carle and Dallas Ferguson)?

A big part of my learning process has been learning defense and being harder to play against. I had to get better at the defensive aspect. They’ve been tough critics at times, but it’s been a positive learning experience for me to get their feedback. When you look at where I started at Denver to where I am now, they deserve a lot of credit for their critiques and for pushing me to get better. I’m very thankful for that.

Are you particular about any of your gear?

I am pretty open-ened about gear. I can get new stuff whenever and adapt. My only superstitions are I tape my stick the same way and I always put my left skate on before my right. Other than that I feel like everything else can be changed at any time.

Are there any team comedians we should know about?

Everybody says Fins (Liam Finlay) and Oly (Kohen Olischefski) are pretty funny. I think (Devin) Cooley is funny to be around. He’s kind of nerdy but he also makes guys laugh because of how he acts. And Wardo (Tyler Ward) is a guy who always lightens the mood. I have a lot of classes with him, and he gives me reasons to chuckle.

Are you a big music fan?

Yes, I like it a lot. Not one particular kind though. I change it up.

Is there someone on the team who is destined to be a rock star?

I think J Lee could be a big country star. And I think (Kyle) Mayhew could have a career as a rapper. Actually, I think Mayhew is the guy. He knows a lot of rap songs and he’s good at rapping, so I’d say him.

©First Line Editorial 2020