Athletes of the Week: Kyle Jadatz and Sam Stone
On Wednesday afternoons and Saturday nights, Exeter’s ice rink is packed with fans anticipating the boys’ varsity hockey team to continue their successful season. Led by senior captains Kyle Jadatz and Sam Stone, boys’ hockey is one of Exeter’s most elite and successful teams. Jadatz and Stone have led the team to victory in all but two games this season so far, with a strong record of 14-1-1.
"Led by senior captains Kyle Jadatz and Sam Stone, boys’ hockey is one of Exeter’s most elite and successful teams."
Stone started playing hockey when he was four years old and fell in love with the sport. Because his father was a goaltender in high school, his passion for hockey was instinctive. He was a major influence in Stone’s decision to play hockey and has motivated and inspired him throughout his career. Stone expressed his gratitude to his family for supporting him throughout his hockey career.
“My family, they’ve been with me for the past 15 years, watching me play, going to all the practices, waking up early, staying up late, driving miles and miles, flying all over the place. My two parents have been fantastic for the past fifteen years of my hockey career,” he said.
Stone came to Exeter as a new lower, after attending St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, MA. A truly gifted player, he assisted his team to victory at the Super 8 Championship in 2015.
Like Stone, Jadatz began his hockey career early at the age of six, and his family had a huge impact on his career. Though his father did not grow up playing hockey, he shares his son’s love for the sport.
“My dad wanted to try something new, so when he was 35 years old, he picked up hockey, and I kinda followed in his footsteps,” he said. “We grew to the sport together.”
He added that his Exeter hockey teammates and coach Dana Barbin have played major roles in shaping his hockey career. “With the teammates that I have, we’re really close to each other and they make it easy on me to perform that best that I can,” he said.
Jadatz came to Exeter last year, and has proven his talent in his two seasons at PEA. Coach Barbin praised Jadatz’s skill in the sport, saying, “Kyle Jadatz has become the best defensive forward in my 31 years at Exeter. He’s blocked more shots than anyone else in the past two years.”
Jadatz and Stone are both talented forwards and influence the team on and off the ice. They agreed that being a positive influence to the underclassmen on the team is their greatest responsibility as a captain.
Senior Andrew McGurrin praised the two for their leadership.“They set a good example for the younger kids both on ice and off ice, which is really important as captain,” he said.
As a captain, Stone hopes to instill in his teammates the game mentality necessary to be great hockey player. “The biggest thing is having the right attitude before games. Every game is tough, and you have to have the right mindset going into each game,” Stone explained. “We have this reputation of having a winning record, and we want the boys to continue to work hard to keep that reputation.”
Jadatz agreed. “We’ve been trying to show [the younger players that] you gotta show up everyday to practice and be ready to play, ready to get better.” Setting the right mindset and environment for the team has been especially important this season, as the captains’ goal is to achieve a New England Championship. “From day one, Sam and I have tried to implement that we’re trying to win a New England championship this year,” Jadatz said.
Senior Bobby Murray commended the different aspects that Stone and Jadatz each bring to the team. “[Stone] brings a lot of intensity,” he explained. “[Jadatz] is a great leader on and off the ice.” McGurrin expanded on the duo’s involvement with the team even off the ice, “In general, they fulfill the roles expected of a captain and oftentimes surpass that and make sure everyone on the team is doing well: in hockey, school, and socially.”
Barbin commended Jadatz and Stone’s development as players and leaders. “In three decades, I’ve had a lot of captains. These two are the top of the heap. They lead by example, and play the game hard and the right way,” he said.
Upon graduation, Jadatz will be playing at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Stone is still considering offers for collegiate teams, but hopes to play hockey wherever he ends up.
During their tenures as Big Red athletes, Jadatz and Stone have grown to love the friends they have made along the way. “What I love the most about being on the team is being around the guys everyday. You’re with them everyday after school and there’s no better feeling than walking into the locker room and seeing all your best friends there,” Jadatz said. Stone shared his co-captain’s sentiment, identifying “hanging out with the boys” as his favorite part of being on the team.