Since Revelstoke Grizzlies alum Kaeden Patrick (2018-19) arrived to play for the Skidmore College Thoroughbreds in 2021-22, they have qualified for the NCAA D3 New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) playoffs and played in the NEHC championship game.
Patrick and his class of teammates helped reshape the culture and the team itself. Last year, along with playing in the semifinals again, they hosted a home playoff game in more than a decade. He’s been happy to see where the program has accomplished since being part of it.
In 93 career regular season games, Patrick has 80 points and is part of the leadership group as an assistant captain.
In this Q&A article, Patrick talks about his time with the Thoroughbreds and the KIJHL. This article has been edited for length.
KIJHL: What has your senior season been like for you?
KP: I’ve been battling a little bit of an injury, so it hasn’t been the best start for me, but I’m trying to turn it around. So far in 2025, we’ve only played two games, and I’ve been pretty good in both. I’m the type of guy who likes to play every game if I can.
KIJHL: In what areas are you focused on improving to help your team have success?
KP: As one of the assistant captains, I’ve been focusing on improving my leadership. That starts with my mentality. Transitioning into a leadership role, there’s a lot more that comes with it. I’ve been working on being someone the younger guys can look up to and learn from by seeing the habits I do each day and leading by example on the ice and off it.
KIJHL: What is the talent level like in the NEHC?
KP: The NEHC is a great conference. I would argue it’s one of the best in Division III hockey. You’re playing against guys who are 24 or 25, so there’s definitely a transition from being the oldest in junior hockey to the youngest in college. It was tough to adjust at first, but once I got into the swing of things, I just took off and played my game.
The talent level here in the NEHC is honestly unmatched in Division III, and I love the area.
KIJHL: What’s the difference in your skills now as a senior compared to when you were a rookie?
KP: I’ve definitely grown in terms of mentality. As a freshman, I was a bit naive and didn’t fully grasp how everything worked. I just put my head down, worked hard, and did the right things. Now, as a senior and a captain, I have a different perspective. My skillset has improved — my shot, puck-handling, and skating are all better — you get time to improve. The biggest change has been my understanding of the game. Knowing where to be on the ice and reading plays has come a long way.
KIJHL: What would you say to players considering the KIJHL?
KP: The KIJHL is a great league that shapes you not just as a player, but as a person. The people you meet and the connections you make can help you years down the road. For example, I still talk with Revelstoke Grizzlies general manager Ryan Parent and even reach out to him for advice or opportunities. The league is a great stepping stone, but also a great place to play hockey. The atmospheres in places like Revelstoke, Nelson, and Kimberley are amazing to play in. Plus, who wouldn’t want to play in such a beautiful place like B.C.?
KIJHL: How did playing in the KIJHL with Revelstoke help shape your path?
KP: Revelstoke has a big emphasis on development, and that started with Ryan Parent. He is focused on helping players use the team as a stepping stone to higher levels, and that’s exactly what I wanted to do. I’m very thankful for my time there. I developed a lot after coming from the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy (now RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna). Revelstoke’s approach to development is phenomenal, and we had a great team that year.
KIJHL: What did you enjoy most about your time in the KIJHL?
KP: The first thing that comes to mind is the team we had in Revelstoke. I was 18, and though I only played one season there, it was short and sweet. The older guys on the team helped me so much. That’s what I’m thankful about playing juniors, are those connections. I still see those guys in the summer, and we’re still really good friends.
Junior hockey gives you the chance to live in new places and experience different cultures. Playing in Revelstoke, you have the ski hill with all the Australians, and the atmosphere in the Revelstoke Forum is amazing. I loved my time there.
