Jadon Henry enjoyed a successful high school hockey career in Colorado, and the Arvada native will continue on with junior hockey next season in his home state with the new Colorado Fighting Elk franchise in the USPHL.

“The opportunity was actually presented to me by Anderson Stark (the first player signed by the Fighting Elk),” said Henry. “He ended up giving me some contact info and I was lucky enough to reach the coaching staff. I’m incredibly honored to be one of the first few to be signed.

“The USPHL has always been very cool to me. It all tied in when my best friend Ethan Blackburn signed with the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings a while back. I’m looking forward to the team building and being in a new environment, not to mention to see a jump in skill. All of it is exciting.”

Henry noted that he plans to make noise next season and get noticed on a daily basis.

“I expect to be an impact player this year by adjusting my game,” Henry said. “I will always be the first and last guy on the ice and I’ll never give up, even if things get tough.”

Prior to making the jump to junior hockey, Henry progressed up the ranks in Colorado.

“I’ve always been rooted in the Arvada program,” said Henry. “I played with the same group up until freshman year where I played for Centaurus High School. It was tough, but it made me a great athlete. I recently finished up at Ralston Valley High School in Arvada. My sophomore year coach Johnathan Docherty really stood out to me because of his drive and no quit in any of his players.

“This past season was great. We won the International Silver Stick championship and got to go to Sarnia, Ontario. Along with 6 a.m. practices, it got me into the most competitive mindset I’ve ever been in.”

Looking ahead, Henry said his goal is to play college hockey, whatever level is most conducive to his game.

Photo/Teagan Herbers

— Matt Mackinder

(May 31, 2024)