Syracuse, N.Y. — After spending his first three seasons with the Syracuse Men's Hockey team, senior forward Kade Cook is stepping into his final year with a new perspective on what it means to be a leader. 

Cook is a senior right-handed forward from Fort Covington, New York who played at Salmon River High School before arriving in Syracuse. He enters his final season coming off his best year in 2025–26, recording 10 goals and four assists for 14 points in 35 games. He set career highs in goals, points and games played, establishing himself as a key returning veteran in Syracuse's forward group.

Being the only captain returning from the 2025-26 leadership group, Cook is focused on setting a meaningful example for his teammates, bringing consistent energy to the ice and strengthening team bonds beyond the rink. 

"You have to show up every day," Cook said. "It's got to be every single day you come in and want to win for your team." 

Standing at 6-foot-4, Cook uses his size to his advantage as a forward along the boards and in front of the net. In his senior season, he is focused on developing a more balanced game by strengthening his defensive play and improving his positioning around the net to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

"For me, playing a complete game means keeping the puck out of our net and finding ways to score at the other end," Cook said.

Beyond his individual game, Cook believes maintaining consistent energy throughout all 60 minutes is essential to the team's success. Whether the Orange are up or down a goal, he emphasizes the importance of staying engaged and ready to bounce back. 

Cook also stresses the importance of details, from stick positioning to establishing a presence in front of the net. With strong systems already in place, he believes execution in these smaller moments can separate successful teams from the rest. 

"This year, it's more about the little things. As a team, we're good at the big things in terms of our systems. It's the little things that separate the good teams from average teams." 

For Cook, strong connections on the ice begin with bonds built away from the rink. Annual Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings have become a meaningful part of the team's traditions outside of the game that he hopes will continue after his final season. 

"It's surreal to be entering my final season," Cook said. "Those team traditions are something you never want to lose."

Reflecting on his growth since freshman year, Cook emphasized the importance of adapting to the different roles, challenges and expectations each season brings.

In his final season with the Orange, Cook hopes to leave an impact beyond the scoresheet. While winning remains a priority, he wants his teammates to remember him as someone they could count on, both on and off the ice.

"I take hockey seriously, and I want to win games, but I also want to be someone my teammates can come to when something is wrong," Cook said.