South Kent School Welcomes Three New Assistant Coaches
South Kent School (SKS) is excited to welcome three new members to our two-time National Champion hockey program. These hires bring an impressive line-up of talented professionals to South Kent School Hockey, elevating what is already an extremely successful program to even greater heights.
“With our new hires, we will have a significant impact on each player at South Kent School. Whether that is in individualized video review, on ice skills instruction, or with in-game adjustments, we have raised the quality of coaching here at SKS to a higher level,” said Director of Hockey Operations, Jamie Russell.
Connor Court – 15O Hockey Assistant Coach
Connor, a Swansea, IL native, spent last season with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL, serving as Director of Hockey Operations, where he oversaw team video and travel logistics. Previous to Lincoln, Court served as an assistant coach in the Neponset Valley River Rats organization.
He played NCAA Division III hockey at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth from 2015-2019.
Court excelled both on and off the ice, serving as an alternate captain in his senior season, earning multiple All Academic Team awards, and was named an All American Scholar in 2017.
“Connor has an incredibly high work ethic and his love for the game of hockey comes through immediately in any conversation. His experience in the USHL will expand our already extensive network of contacts in the hockey world,” said Jamie Russell.
Ryan Bliss – 18U Hockey Assistant Coach
Ryan spent the last two seasons working as a volunteer assistant Coach at UMass Amherst where they won the national championship this past season (2020-21). Prior to transitioning to coaching, he was a graduate transfer to UMass during the 2018-19 season, when they made the national championship game. Before UMass, he graduated from Cornell University in 2018.
Prior to Cornell, Bliss spent two seasons playing with the National Team Development Program in Michigan, after attending prep school at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, he has been a Massachusetts resident for the last eleven years. Ryan has two younger brothers who share his passion for the game, at Bowdoin College and Brown University.
“We are excited to welcome Ryan to South Kent School. As a player, Ryan is a USNDP graduate and was an elite defenseman who brings experience as a player from two premiere college programs in the country in Cornell and UMass-Amherst. Ryan had his playing career cut short due to injury but is passionate about giving back to the game and passing on his knowledge as he helps develop players here at South Kent School,” said Coach Russell
Matt Beck – 16U Hockey Assistant Coach/Director of Goaltending Development
Matt, from Westport, CT, was a four-year goaltender for the University of Vermont Catamounts at the Division I level. While at Vermont, he was Vice-Chair of Community Engagement for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Matt is one of 13 nationwide finalists for the 2020 NCAA Hockey Humanitarian Award, presented annually to the student-athlete who makes significant contributions to his or her team and the community-at-large through leadership in volunteerism. He is also the winner of the 2020 Jeff Stone Memorial Award for excellent community service and campus leadership contribution amongst all male athletes at the University of Vermont. This year he was honored as the 2021 Seamus Award Winner at Vermont who in addition to athletic success, has earned him the respect and regard from fellow students for leadership, loyalty, and service to the University. He is a three-time All Hockey East Academic team member.
Matt’s hockey career started at the Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport, CT, before going to Fairfield Prep for high school where he helped his team win three State Championships. He played one year of junior hockey for the Bay State Breakers in the USPHL in Marshfield, MA, and played two years of juniors for the Philadelphia Flyers Elite in the USPHL.
He began his coaching career with Procrease Goaltending, where he coached camps and clinics, and offered private lessons for the last 7 years.
“Matt comes very highly recommended and will work daily with all of our goalies here at South Kent School. He has impressive attention to detail and relates well with today’s athletes. I am excited to see how he and Coach Naclerio take our 16U group to new heights.” said Jamie Russell.
Playing at the top level in the game requires top support. Our three new coaches complement our existing coaching staff, ensuring that our players have the assist they need to accomplish their goals.
About South Kent School Hockey
South Kent School Hockey develops self-discipline, commitment, sportsmanship, and a fervent passion for the game. In recent years South Kent School has claimed many New England and tournament Championships, and made multiple appearances in the USA Hockey National Championships, winning the National Championship in 2018 and 2019 at the 18U level.
South Kent School offers top-tier private boarding school education while at the same time affording our students the opportunity to play the highest level and most competitive AAA hockey available in the northeastern United States. This is a one-of-a-kind hockey program available only at South Kent School.
South Kent School Hockey Coaching Staff
Jamie Russell – Director of Hockey Operations/15O Head Coach
Andrey Uryadov – 18U Head Coach/Director of Skill Development
Mark Naclerio – 16U Head Coach/Director of Camps and Clinics
Ryan Bliss – 18U Assistant Coach
Matt Beck – 16U Assistant Coach/Director of Goaltending Development
Connor Court – 15O Assistant Coach
Todd Gennings – Stockdale Arena Manager/15O Assistant Coach