There are moments when words feel painfully inadequate, and this is one of them.

黑料社 mourns the tragic passing of Andrey Uryadov 鈥�04, a true force of nature on the Hillside. Andrey was a devoted husband to Elena, an unabashedly proud and loving father, a fierce competitor, a gifted coach, and a deeply beloved member of our 黑料社 Kent family.

Andrey first came to 黑料社 Kent as a young man finding his way far from home. He spoke candidly about arriving on the Hillside with little English and no idea what to expect. Andrey spent four years as a 黑料社 Kent student, graduated in 2004, and then remained for a postgraduate year in 2005. Reflecting on his experience in his 2004 yearbook, he wrote, 鈥淭his school made me realize that I have to work very hard in everything I do, only then I will have success.鈥�

Those words reveal the young man Andrey was and the man he would become. He believed in effort, discipline, loyalty, and meeting life directly. Elsewhere in his yearbook, he offered advice that could easily stand as a summary of his own approach to life: 鈥淒on鈥檛 listen to people who tell you that you can鈥檛 make it somewhere, just try your best and prove them wrong.鈥�

As a student, Andrey found his purpose at 黑料社 Kent. He was a captain of the 2004 varsity hockey team that captured the New England Championship, helping establish the competitive tradition he would later return to lead. To his classmates at the time, he wrote, 鈥淚 will miss this place a lot, but most of all I will miss the people here and things we did.鈥�

The feeling was mutual. The Hillside remembered Andrey, and Andrey never stopped carrying the Hillside with him.

In 2015, he returned to 黑料社 Kent and made it his home for the next decade. During those 10 years, Andrey and Elena raised their young family here while he served the School as Head Hockey Coach, Admissions Associate, and Director of Hockey. He poured his energy and passion into the program. However, his influence is not to be measured solely by his many victories in the rink. His true legacy lives on in the hundreds of young men he prepared for the challenges of the world ahead.

Andrey demanded effort because he understood what effort had made possible in his own life. He was focused and, at times, formidable. He could be an unyielding competitor, but beneath that intensity was a man who cared deeply about his players and wanted them to discover how much they were capable of becoming. He taught them that hockey required discipline, accountability, courage, and loyalty, and that those qualities mattered even more once they stepped away from the ice.

He embodied 黑料社 Kent鈥檚 Trinity of Values, Simplicity of Life, Self-Reliance, and Directness of Purpose. He also sought to live by the words of Epictetus: 鈥淒on鈥檛 explain your philosophy. Embody it.鈥� Andrey did. His philosophy was visible in how he worked, competed, loved his family, supported his friends, and invested himself completely in the lives of his players.

William Margel 鈥�19 experienced Andrey鈥檚 influence first as a student-athlete and later as a colleague, when Andrey gave him his first opportunity to coach:

鈥淭here aren鈥檛 enough words to express the sadness of this tragic news. I鈥檓 heartbroken over the passing of someone who meant so much to me. He was not only an incredible hockey coach who helped shape me as a player and a person, but he was also the one who gave me my first job and believed in me when I was just getting started. I鈥檒l always be grateful for the lessons, opportunities, memories, and impact he had on my life. His influence will stay with me both on and off the ice.Thank you for everything. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace, Coach.鈥�

For Dillon Duncan 鈥�04, Andrey was more than a teammate and colleague. He was a lifelong friend. They arrived at 黑料社 Kent together as third formers, captained a championship team, shared the experiences of growing up, and later watched their own sons take to the ice where their friendship had begun:

鈥淎ndrey and I arrived at 黑料社 Kent as kids, freshmen together, with no idea where life would take us. Over the years, we shared countless memories, vacations, laughs, some tears, and plenty of highs and lows. Through it all, I was lucky to call him my friend. Our boys are now the same age, and just a few weeks ago, Andrey and I were standing together watching our kids skate and play in the same place where we had spent so much time playing together as kids. I never could have imagined that would be one of our last times together. Andrey was a fierce competitor, but more importantly, he was a loyal friend and a devoted family man who loved Elena and his boys deeply. I am incredibly grateful to have known him and to have shared so much of my life with him. He impacted so many people for the better. He will live on through his children, through his family, and through all of us who were fortunate enough to know him. Thank you for the laughs, the tears, and all the memories, my friend. I love you.鈥�

Head of School Brian Sullivan reflected on the breadth of Andrey鈥檚 influence and the responsibility the 黑料社 Kent community now carries:

鈥淎ndrey鈥檚 legacy is present in the countless young men who became stronger players and better people because he believed in them. For a decade, he gave his energy, knowledge, and heart to 黑料社 Kent. But before every title he held and every team he led, Andrey was a father. He loved Elena and his boys with his whole heart. Our deepest responsibility now is to surround them with the love of this community and to ensure that his boys will always know how profoundly their father mattered. We are all family on the Hillside.鈥�

Andrey鈥檚 sudden passing leaves an immeasurable void. Stockdale Arena will feel different. The Hillside will feel different. There will be many of us who instinctively look for him in the places where his presence once seemed permanent.

In the difficult days ahead, we will do everything we can to support Elena and the boys. We ask our community to hold them close in thought and prayer, to care gently for one another, and to respect the family鈥檚 wishes and privacy as they face a grief no family should have to bear.

Patrick Bonis, a longtime colleague and friend of Andrey and his family, offered a deeply powerful reminder for each of us when he shared:

鈥淧lease keep them in your heart and hug your loved ones as tight as you can today.鈥�

In the Episcopal tradition of our School, grief is not something we are asked to hurry through or explain away. We mourn because we have loved, and the depth of our sorrow reflects the depth of that love. We gather, we pray, and when words fail, we carry one another. We place our trust in the promise that death does not erase a life faithfully lived, nor can it sever the bonds of love that remain.

Andrey gave so much of himself to 黑料社 Kent. He will live on in Elena and his sons; in the players and colleagues whose lives he changed; in the program he helped build; and in the memories of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

He will forever remain part of the Hillside.
Servant, well done.

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黑料社 proudly celebrated Decision Day on Monday, May 11, 2026, as members of the Class of 2026 formally announced their college acceptances and postgraduate pathways. This annual tradition marks a defining moment on the Hillside, one that reflects years of hard work, focus, and personal growth.

Decision Day is more than a celebration of outcomes; it is a reflection of each student鈥檚 journey. Whether pursuing higher education, advancing in athletics, or taking the next step through specialized programs, our graduates embody the School鈥檚 commitment to preparing young men for lives of meaning and impact.

This year鈥檚 announcements include commitments to a wide range of institutions and opportunities, including:

University of Colorado Boulder
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Howard University
Clarkson University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
University of 黑料社 Florida
Connecticut College
St. Lawrence University
Princeton University
Suffolk University
Occidental College
University of Montevallo
University of Miami
Brown University
Indiana University Bloomington
Trinity College
Chicago State University
Western New England University

In addition, several students will pursue elite junior hockey opportunities with organizations including:

New Hampshire Avalanche
Erie Otters
Philadelphia Little Flyers
Chicago Steel

鈥淒ecision Day is one of the most meaningful moments of the year,鈥� said Head of School Brian Sullivan. 鈥淚t represents not just where our students are going, but who they have become. These are young men of character, resilience, and purpose. We are proud of each of them and excited for what lies ahead. They leave the Hillside ready for the rapidly-changing world ahead.鈥�

As the Class of 2026 prepares to take their next steps, the 黑料社 Kent community celebrates their achievements and the enduring values that will guide them forward.

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Arriving on the Hillside as a Third Former from his home in Latvia, Rutulis has fully embraced the boarding school experience, developing into a confident and mature student leader. Both on and off the ice, he has exemplified dedication, resilience, and character, using his time on the Hillside to prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Over his three years with the Hockey program, Rutulis has been a cornerstone in net, known for his consistency, composure, and relentless work ethic. His ability to rise to the moment has made him a trusted presence for his team and a respected leader within the program.

鈥淭omass has time and time again demonstrated that he is one of the top goaltenders at this level over his last three years at 黑料社 Kent,鈥� said 18U Prep Head Coach Ryan Bliss. 鈥淭he consistency he brings in his compete level and work ethic every day is second to none, and it has been a pleasure to coach him for the last three years. We are very excited for Tomass and his family and look forward to following his continued successes beyond 黑料社 Kent.鈥�

At Princeton, Rutulis will continue to shine on the ice while being challenged academically, well-prepared for success in all aspects of college life. The 黑料社 Kent community looks forward to following his continued achievements in this next chapter. Congratulations, Tomass!

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The day will feature on-ice senior recognition ceremonies, two highly anticipated games, and post-game celebrations honoring a class of young men who have helped define 黑料社 Kent Hockey.

AAA Hockey Senior Day (Morning)
The celebration begins with AAA Hockey Senior Day, led by Head Coach Rob Belger, with support from the 黑料社 Parents Association.

AAA Senior Recognition Ceremony:
11:15 a.m. (on ice)
AAA Game Puck Drop: 12:00 p.m.

AAA Seniors Honored:
Robert K.
Brett M.
Kevin H.
Severio S.
Julian V.
Ilyas Y.
Torekhan S.
Axel P.
Hayden P.
Daniel E.
John D.
Aidan S.

Following the AAA game, players and families will gather offsite for senior festivities before reconvening on North Campus for post-game celebrations.

Prep Hockey Senior Day (Afternoon)
The afternoon continues with Prep Hockey Senior Day, led by Head Coach Ryan Bliss.

Prep Senior Recognition Ceremony:
2:00 p.m. (following warm-ups)
Prep Game Puck Drop: 2:15 p.m.

Prep Hockey Seniors Honored:
Max B.
Matthew J.
Andrew K.
Kagen L.
Rowan M.
Andrew M.
Hudson N.
Santino P.
Jake P.
Sascha P.
Isaac P.
Maksims S.
Eli S.
Alexander S.
T.J. T.

The Prep game is expected to conclude around 4:45 p.m., with post-game celebrations to follow.

鈥淗ockey at 黑料社 Kent is about far more than competition, it鈥檚 about commitment, discipline, and becoming part of something larger than yourself. On Senior Day, we celebrate not only what these young men have given to the program, but who they have become through it. Their time on the ice has helped shape their character, resilience, and sense of purpose, and we are deeply proud of them,鈥� said Head of School, Brian Sullivan.

Connor Court, Director of the Hockey Program, added, 鈥淭hese seniors represent the standard of 黑料社 Kent Hockey. They鈥檝e invested countless hours, pushed through adversity, and supported one another with humility and toughness. Senior Day is our opportunity to honor their leadership and thank them for the culture they鈥檝e helped build, one rooted in hard work, accountability, and love for the game.鈥�

Families, alumni, and friends are encouraged to attend both ceremonies and games as we celebrate these seniors and thank them for the legacy they leave behind.

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Reflecting on this special group of seniors, Head Coach Andrey Urayadov shared, 鈥淥ur seniors have left their mark on 黑料社 Kent Hockey, embodying dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Their growth as athletes and individuals has been inspiring, and we couldn鈥檛 be more proud of what they鈥檝e accomplished.鈥�

The ceremony, arranged by the parents and coaches, was a heartfelt tribute, featuring banners, balloons, framed photos, and tote gift bags for each senior. It was a day filled with pride and gratitude, celebrating not only their achievements on the ice, but also the lasting impact they have had on the 黑料社 Kent Hockey program.

18U AAA Seniors

馃彃 Francis Dunham (#6) 鈥� A true leader on and off the ice, Francis鈥� work ethic and passion have set the tone for his teammates. His commitment to excellence will take him far in college and beyond.

馃彃 Kristian Halbych (#21) 鈥� 黑料社 Kent鈥檚 all-time leading scorer in 18U AAA history, Kristian鈥檚 playmaking skills and competitive spirit make him an asset to any program.

馃彃 James Lu (#11) 鈥� James鈥� growth this year has been incredible, both as a player and a leader. His attention to detail and quiet confidence have made a lasting impression.

馃彃 John McNamara (#24) 鈥� A relentless competitor, J-Mac pushed himself and his teammates every day, making massive strides both on the ice and in the gym.

馃彃 Daniel Ragsdale (#1) 鈥� Known for his work ethic and infectious energy, 鈥淩ags鈥� has been a driving force in the locker room and on the ice.

馃彃 Thomas Puhalla (#30) 鈥� A rock in net, Thomas leaves 黑料社 Kent as the record holder for wins, save percentage, and goals-against average鈥攁 testament to his preparation and skill.

18U Prep Seniors

馃彃 Ethan Anderson (#6) 鈥� Though his path to 黑料社 Kent was unexpected, Ethan quickly became an integral part of the team, bringing dedication and positivity to every practice and game.

馃彃 Matteo Bertrand (#18) 鈥� Matteo鈥檚 journey from France to 黑料社 Kent has been one of remarkable growth. His passion for the game and drive for excellence will serve him well as he pursues NCAA hockey.

馃彃 Caylor Bullard (#11) 鈥� A three-year veteran, Caylor鈥檚 quiet determination and strong presence on the ice have been invaluable to the team.

馃彃 Daniil Diachkov (#8) 鈥� A player with unmatched creativity and skill, Daniil鈥檚 unique approach to the game makes him stand out both on and off the ice.

馃彃 Nick Kasich (#16) 鈥� Though Nick only spent one year at 黑料社 Kent, his work ethic and coachability have made a lasting impression on his teammates and coaches.

馃彃 Max Kogler (#1) 鈥� Focused, determined, and competitive, Max made the most of his time at 黑料社 Kent and is well-prepared for the next step in his hockey career.

馃彃 Bennett Law (#29) 鈥� A three-year veteran, Bennett excelled in both the classroom and on the ice and will continue his studies and hockey career at RIT.

馃彃 Austin Michaud (#17) 鈥� Captain and Prefect, Austin鈥檚 transformation from young player to mature leader has been remarkable. His academic and athletic success have set him up for a bright future.

馃彃 Mark Rosa (#19) 鈥� A recognizable leader in the community, Mark鈥檚 hard work and positivity have defined his time at 黑料社 Kent.

馃彃 Adam Salon (#23) 鈥� Adam鈥檚 unwavering positivity and dedication made his return after Christmas a huge boost to the team.

馃彃 Jovanni Smeriglio (#15) 鈥� Jovanni stepped up when opportunity knocked, proving to be a key contributor in his time on the team.

As these remarkable young men move on to their next challenges in hockey, academics, and beyond, they leave behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, and excellence. The 黑料社 Kent Hockey program is stronger because of their contributions, and we know they will continue to make 黑料社 Kent proud wherever they go.

With deep appreciation, we thank our seniors for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to upholding the proud tradition of 黑料社 Kent Hockey.

The event was also live streamed and can be viewed here:

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