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

������ mourns the tragic passing of Andrey Uryadov ’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 ������ Kent family.

Andrey first came to ������ 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 ������ Kent student, graduated in 2004, and then remained for a postgraduate year in 2005. Reflecting on his experience in his 2004 yearbook, he wrote, “This school made me realize that I have to work very hard in everything I do, only then I will have success.”

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: “Don’t listen to people who tell you that you can’t make it somewhere, just try your best and prove them wrong.”

As a student, Andrey found his purpose at ������ 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, “I will miss this place a lot, but most of all I will miss the people here and things we did.”

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

In 2015, he returned to ������ 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 ������ Kent’s Trinity of Values, Simplicity of Life, Self-Reliance, and Directness of Purpose. He also sought to live by the words of Epictetus: “Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.” 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 ’19 experienced Andrey’s influence first as a student-athlete and later as a colleague, when Andrey gave him his first opportunity to coach:

“There aren’t enough words to express the sadness of this tragic news. I’m 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’ll 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.”

For Dillon Duncan ’04, Andrey was more than a teammate and colleague. He was a lifelong friend. They arrived at ������ 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:

“Andrey and I arrived at ������ 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.”

Head of School Brian Sullivan reflected on the breadth of Andrey’s influence and the responsibility the ������ Kent community now carries:

“Andrey’s 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 ������ 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.”

Andrey’s 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’s 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:

“Please keep them in your heart and hug your loved ones as tight as you can today.”

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 ������ 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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Reflecting on this special group of seniors, Head Coach Andrey Urayadov shared, “Our seniors have left their mark on ������ Kent Hockey, embodying dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Their growth as athletes and individuals has been inspiring, and we couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

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 ������ Kent Hockey program.

18U AAA Seniors

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

🏒 Kristian Halbych (#21) – ������ Kent’s all-time leading scorer in 18U AAA history, Kristian’s playmaking skills and competitive spirit make him an asset to any program.

🏒 James Lu (#11) – James’ 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.

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

🏒 Daniel Ragsdale (#1) – Known for his work ethic and infectious energy, “Rags” has been a driving force in the locker room and on the ice.

🏒 Thomas Puhalla (#30) – A rock in net, Thomas leaves ������ Kent as the record holder for wins, save percentage, and goals-against average—a testament to his preparation and skill.

18U Prep Seniors

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

🏒 Matteo Bertrand (#18) – Matteo’s journey from France to ������ 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.

🏒 Caylor Bullard (#11) – A three-year veteran, Caylor’s quiet determination and strong presence on the ice have been invaluable to the team.

🏒 Daniil Diachkov (#8) – A player with unmatched creativity and skill, Daniil’s unique approach to the game makes him stand out both on and off the ice.

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

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

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

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

🏒 Mark Rosa (#19) – A recognizable leader in the community, Mark’s hard work and positivity have defined his time at ������ Kent.

🏒 Adam Salon (#23) – Adam’s unwavering positivity and dedication made his return after Christmas a huge boost to the team.

🏒 Jovanni Smeriglio (#15) – 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 ������ Kent Hockey program is stronger because of their contributions, and we know they will continue to make ������ Kent proud wherever they go.

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

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

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“At ������ Kent, we are called to be men of service—to recognize need, to act with compassion, and to uplift our community.”

������ has always stood by its commitment to service, and this year, we are once again taking action to support our neighbors in need. Food insecurity continues to affect families in Kent and beyond, and ������ is responding with the fourth annual ������ Kent Feeds the Need initiative, a community effort to collect monetary donations, nonperishable food, and personal care items for the .

In Kent, where the median household income is approximately $101,023, over 100 individuals (or 55 households) currently rely on the local food bank for support. The Kent Food Bank has recently called for donations as its shelves are running low due to a significant increase in families seeking assistance. Last year, ������ raised cash and online donations and collected hundreds of essential items. This year, we aim to make an even greater impact.

How You Can Help
📍 Student Volunteers at Davis IGA
������ Kent students will be stationed outside Davis IGA on Saturday, February 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They will collect food and personal care donations while distributing lists of the food bank’s most-needed items to shoppers.

In advance, please find a .

🏒 Hockey Fundraisers for the Kent Community Fund on Saturday, 2/15 and Sunday, 2/16
Our hockey games on February 15th and 16th will also serve as drop-off events for non-perishable goods for the Kent Food Bank. The games are at 12:45pm, 3:00pm on Saturday (2/15) and 9am, 11:15am on Sunday (2/16) at ������’s Stockdale Arena. Spectators are encouraged to bring as many non-perishable items as they can. Cash or online contributions for the Kent Community Fund will also be accepted at this time and the students will be using any funds raised to go shopping for items to donate.

At ������ Kent, service is not just an expectation—it’s a way of life. As Father Klots reminds us, we are all called to serve, to recognize need, and to make a difference. Through ������ Kent Feeds the Need, our students are not only providing critical resources, but also upholding the values of empathy, responsibility, and leadership that define our school community.

Thank you for joining us in this mission. Together, we can ensure that no neighbor goes without.

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