Waywayseecappo Wolverines graduating Defensemen, Jack Kennedy has committed to play ACHA Division I hockey for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels.
The Prior Lake, Minnesota native spent the past two seasons patrolling the Wolverines blueline, where he spent 108 games wearing the black, yellow and red.
After taking a few weeks to come to a decision with his family, the 21-year-old defender is confident in his choice to attend UNLV.
“It was definitely stressful,” Kennedy said of his decision on where to go to school next season. “I was just trying to make the right decision for me as a person and player. After talking to Vegas, they said the right things and I agreed with everything they were saying.”
“It sounds like the program is on the rise and they’ve done a good job these last few years. I’m excited to get there and do whatever I can to help. It looks like a great city and a great place to live, the weather helps a lot.”
This past season, Kennedy hit career highs in games played (58) goals (12) and assists (19). He was also one of four Wolverines who were chosen to represent the MJHL at the annual MJHL|SJHL Showcase in Regina.
Looking back on his time with the Wolverines, Kennedy reflected on the positive experience he had off the ice which included a seamless transition into his billet home.
“After two years in Wayway, the team and program grew a lot. The community in Wayway and how they support the team is just outstanding. Taylor and Josh do a great job with the guys, teaching lessons on and off the ice. The lessons we learned off the ice, I’ll remember those forever.”
“The Tweets (billet family) were a huge part of my time with the Wolverines, they had a big impact on me as a person and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I couldn’t have asked for a better family and situation coming into the program.”
When asked about what memory sticks out the most during the last two years, Kennedy quickly pointed to the teams win in game two over the Stampeders as the pinnacle of his tenure with the club.
“I felt like the peak of the two years I was there was the playoff win on home ice. That was almost like when you’re watching the movie semi-pro and Jackie Moon comes out at the end for the Flint Michigan Megabowl. I feel like it was a big moment for the Wolverines and it’s only going to get better from here.”
“We did everything we could. Seeing it all come together in that win was the coolest thing. A lot of hard work went into the last two years.”
Kennedy also credits the organization for helping him grow as a person and took the time to thank a number of different people in the organization and community.
“Going to Wayway and having the junior experience made me mature and I would really say it turns boys to men. I feel like I’m ready to make the jump to university and being with the Wolverines prepared me for that.”
“In closing, I just want to thank Chief and Council for supporting us and giving us every opportunity to be successful. Taylor, Josh, Erik, Jason, Mike, Sarah, Kati, Barry, the volunteers and everyone who made my experience the best, I can’t thank them enough. The fans and people in the community are amazing. I feel like I learned so much about the culture and have nothing but great things to say,” he concluded.
The Wolverines would like to congratulate Jack and his family on his commitment to play for the UNLV Rebels.