COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — February 19, 2026
Today, a devotional by Jaccob Slavin, Team USA men’s Olympic hockey team and alternate captain and defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes, is available to audiences worldwide. On day two of Compassion International’s The Race Set Before Us devotional, Slavin’s reading reflects a central part of his life: a desire to point people toward Jesus’ teaching to serve people in need.
“Being able to open God’s word and read a passage that will be heard by millions is such a blessing”, shares Slavin. “The Bible is such a foundational piece of my life, and if by me reading scripture can help someone grow deeper in their relationship with Christ, then count me in!”
Slavin and his wife Kylie have served as dedicated supporters of Compassion International for several years, including a significant pledge in 2024 for “The Fight for First”, an initiative to support 25,000 mothers and their babies living in poverty.
“One thing I love about Compassion is how everything that they do, it is rooted in Christ and in the local church. Supporting them and their mission is an easy way to be involved in reaching those who need Jesus,” Slavin adds.
Hockey players reading scripture for The Race Set Before Us devotional include:
Ryan and Abbey Johansen — 14-year professional league veteran
Day 1: The Johansens share how the "cloud of witnesses" strengthens their walk with Christ and how faith-filled community sustains them through life's hardest turns.Jaccob Slavin — Defenseman and alternate captain for the Carolina Hurricanes | U.S. men's Olympic hockey team
Day 2: Slavin reflects on what it means to fix our eyes on Jesus, offering an athlete's perspective on discipline, endurance and faith that overflows into everyday compassion.
Day 4: Slavin shares about the importance of focus and how everyone needs guidance and support to accomplish the feats God invites them to tackle in life.Kent Johnson — Forward for the Colombus Blue Jackets
Day 5: Johnson discusses strengthening weak hands and weary knees — how God empowers His people to lift up others and pursue healing in community.Teddy Blueger — Forward for the Vancouver Canucks | Latvia's men's Olympic hockey team
Day 6: Blueger explains why unity, peace and selflessness matter — in sports and in the body of Christ.Matt Duchene — Forward for the Dallas Stars
Day 7: Duchene encourages readers to "keep their eyes on the prize," reminding them of the eternal hope all believers run toward.
The devotion is part of Compassion International’s Unto Jesus campaign, which focuses on helping people live out their faith in practical ways. It will encourage and inspire people all over the world to build spiritual endurance and strengthen their faith.