Captain of the Week: Jack Gordon

Senior Jack Gordon poses for a photo in the Assembly Hall

By KAI GOWDA,  LAUREN LEE, and ADELE MAMEDOVA 

The boys’ varsity hockey team recently emerged victorious against Tabor Academy. With a packed schedule this season, their grueling campaign is led by their senior captain Jack Gordon.

A passionate hockey player, Gordon has been involved in the sport since a young age. “I grew up playing on the Princeton University rink and skating around Hopey Baker,” Gordon said. “I’ve been playing since I was three years old. I have always loved the sport.”

Jack Gordon’s prep year at Exeter was unlike any typical season. “It was a Covid year, so we didn’t have any games. All we did was practice, so there were no hockey jerseys. We would just play with whatever jerseys we had from back home,” Gordon recalled. The lack of games, however, did not dampen his enthusiasm for the sport. A lasting memory for him was the anticipation of wearing an Exeter hockey jersey for the first time. “I remember looking forward to that scrimmage all month,” he said. “All I thought about was just getting to wear a jersey that said ‘Exeter Hockey’ on it. It meant the world to me.” This early experience highlighted just how important the team is to Gordon, a sentiment that later defined his high school hockey journey.

“The team is a real brotherhood,” said lower Eric Bagg. “I think everyone’s there for each other, whether it’s on the ice or just around campus. I think we’re really there for each other.” Recognizing the importance of building a unified team identity, every player works to foster a supportive environment even outside of time on the ice, through team lifts, dinners, and other gatherings. 

Gordon took the initiative and set the tone from the very beginning of the season. “The first weekend we were at school he got pizza for the whole team and we went and watched Sunday Night Football. It was only the fourth day on campus, and he was already doing that for the whole team,” reflected upper Will Cavanaugh. 

Every effort that Gordon made to ensure cohesion between players has paid off. “There’s a unique camaraderie, with a kind of family aspect that is just at a higher level than any other team I’ve been on,” added upper Dryden Dervish.  “Younger players have the older guys to look up to, and when you’re older you set an example for the younger guys.” 

The players, especially lowerclassmen, rely on Gordon for structure and guidance on and off the ice. “During practice and during all the team lifts, he’s definitely the one who’s working the hardest and is the one example that everyone should follow,” said prep Max Webster. “Every single practice, no matter what drill we’re doing, even if it’s just a warmup drill, he goes a hundred percent as if we were in a game situation.”

Post-graduate Connor Drobny further reflected on Gordon’s unique ability to connect with and lead players. “He ensures that everyone feels heard. No one’s too strong of a voice. No one’s too quiet. He’s very much the heart and soul of the team.” 

Gordon’s playing style is exemplified by his selflessness, resilience, and tactical intelligence on the ice. Bagg detailed this, “If there’s a shot to block, he’s gonna throw himself in front of it.” Bagg highlighted Gordon’s commitment to defense and team success, even in high-stakes situations like power plays and penalty kills. 

Senior Connor Drobny added further insight into Gordon’s versatility and toughness. “​​The first thing I would say about him would be tough. He’s always handling the puck no matter how much he gets thrown around, and he’s always up for the next shift.” He pointed out Gordon’s skill in defensive plays, noting his crucial role in penalty kills and his willingness to block shots.

Drobny emphasized Gordon’s lead-by-example approach. “He’s great defensively, always on the first penalty kill, doing whatever he can to get the team through the game.” Gordon, as a hockey player, is a blend of aggression in defense and strategic thinking in creating opportunities, making him an invaluable asset to the Exeter hockey team.

“We were in overtime in our game against St. Sebs,” recalled Drobny. “Even though our coach sent Jack out to go take a face-off, Jack said that it would be better for the team if Dryden took it. Jack gave up his position on the ice to someone who he thought was better in the specific situation, which is an example of how completely selfless he is. He perfectly embodies what a captain should be like.”

“If he thought that there was a scenario where his sacrificing playing time would win us the game, he wouldn’t play. He would do just about anything to help us win a game. It sets a good tone for the team because when he is leading by example and putting the team before himself, it’s pretty hard not to put the team before yourself as well,” said Dervish.

Head coach Tim Mitropoulus lauded Gordon’s leadership qualities. “Jack has been a great leader for us this season because he leads by example.” He commended Gordon’s consistent presence, communication skills, and work ethic, all contributing to keeping the team organized and on track. Mitropoulus appreciated Gordon’s involvement in planning team strategies and acknowledges his influence in running practices and organizing power plays. “Jack has been at the lead with all the team meetings,” Mitropoulus noted, “showing his teammates the right way to do things.” His leadership goes beyond the rink, helping the team to grow more consistent and thoughtful in all aspects of their lives.

“It was after our very first game of the season when we were all in the locker room,” recalled Bagg. “I was really nervous because it was my first game on varsity, but Jack came over and told me, ‘I’m so proud of you. You played great today,’ and gave me a big hug. You know, after your first game, you still are trying to figure things out. And to know that a leader on the team, a great player and a great guy, acknowledges your work is a great feeling.” Through his exemplary leadership on and off the ice, Gordon ensures that every player knows their value to the team and honors the Exeter hockey brotherhood.