Ice hockey captain prepares to walk across Commencement stage with 3 degrees and a national championship

By Jacqueline Ydrovo '24, MS '25 April 22, 2024

Jayden lee holds diploma in front of bobcat statue

Jayden Lee ’22, MBA ’23, MS ’24 went from having three siblings at home to finding an extended family of brothers and friends for life during his time at Quinnipiac.

On and off the ice, Lee found success in Quinnipiac’s environment and culture. Looking outside the scope of athletics, the graduate student was drawn to the university’s 3+1 accelerated dual-degree program where he would major in finance.

But that was not the only thing that drew Lee to Quinnipiac. Lee found that the smaller class sizes meant that he could connect with his professors and peers on a whole new level.

To balance Division 1 athletics and his education, Lee had to focus on the game of hockey and his homework assignments. When planning out how to manage both, the student-athlete developed, tried and altered different techniques and methods to find what worked best for him. In the end, setting his own strict schedules and goal setting helped him find success outside the rink.

Now with graduation on the horizon, Lee will walk across the stage with three degrees and a national championship title.

“It is honestly hard to put it into words on what it means to be part of the team that brought home Quinnipiac’s first-ever NCAA national ice hockey championship. Obviously, it is a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life," said Lee. "Honestly, what means the most to me was seeing how it brought together the entire school. The amount of student, faculty and alumni support was tremendous. In particular, the waves of support and encouragement from all the hockey alumni was very heartfelt. It truly goes to show how you are a Bobcat for life!”

Since day one, the captain felt the tremendous impact of being a part of the men’s ice hockey team. He felt brought into a team that has now become his family and friends for life.

His time at Quinnipiac is something Lee has loved every minute of with memories he will forever cherish.

“I will forever cherish the memories between small talk in the locker room to battling with my brothers and winning games, setting records, and winning a national championship," said Lee.

He credits his team and the support of the fans for their continued and dedicated support to the Bobcats.

“If I could speak to the fans right now, I would like to thank them for their dedicated and unwavering support that they have shown towards me, and my teammates over the last five years," said Lee. "I hope that they continue to root for the Bobcats, and continue to pass these traditions down to future generations. I hope to see them at future games.”

Over the past few years, Lee is grateful and appreciative of all the professors, staff, classmates, students and fans he has been fortunate to cross paths with. Everyone has contributed to his success at Quinnipiac.

Including crossing paths with Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach Rand Pecknold. Pecknold said the leadership position speaks to Lee's character and time as a Bobcat.

"Jayden has been a fantastic five-year member of our program. Being elected captain by his teammates for this season speaks how highly he is respected in our locker room and his excellent character on and off the ice," said Pecknold. 

After Commencement, Lee wants to continue his ice hockey career with plans to play professionally before moving on into the financial analytics or data analytics fields. Though he is leaving Quinnipiac, the university will forever hold a place in his heart.

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