COMETS ANNOUNCE PLANS TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF JACK KANE
Oct 28, 2025COMETS ANNOUNCE PLANS TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF JACK KANE
Legendary Clinton Comet, community leader, and Utica hockey icon to be honored with a Public Celebration of Life on Fri., Nov. 14 at Adirondack Bank Center
The Utica Comets today announced plans to celebrate the remarkable life and career of Jack Kane, who passed away on October 12, 2025, at the age of 88.
JERSEY PATCH AND ON-ICE DISPLAY
Beginning with the Comets Home Opener presented by Adirondack Bank on Sat., Oct. 18, the Comets will wear a commemorative jersey patch on the shoulder and helmet sticker featuring Kane’s number 15 — a tribute to one of the region’s greatest players and ambassadors of the game.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND DEDICATION GAME
Few figures have impacted Mohawk Valley hockey more deeply than Jack Kane — a player, coach, mentor, and friend whose influence spanned generations.
Fans will have the opportunity to pay their respects as the Comets, in partnership with the Save of the Day Foundation, host a public Celebration of Life and dedication game on Fri., Nov. 14 at Adirondack Bank Center.
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Special Game Time: In honor of Jack’s #15, puck drop will be at 7:15 PM.
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Pregame Ceremony: A special ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM, featuring stories and reflections from former teammates, friends, family, and members of the local hockey community.
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Commemorative Items: Fans will have the opportunity to purchase specialty pins and pucks created in Jack’s honor.
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Team Tribute: Players will wear a jersey patch and helmet sticker to celebrate Jack’s legacy throughout the night.
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Ticket Offer: In recognition of Kane’s iconic #15, the Comets will offer $15 tickets to the general public for this game only — a one-time offer to help pack the building in Jack’s memory.
The evening will also feature a video tribute and ceremonial puck drop, celebrating Jack’s lifelong dedication to hockey, family, and community.
Fans who wish to reserve tickets can visit uticacomets.com/tickets
KANE’S LEGACY OFF THE ICE
Beyond the rink, Jack Kane was a pillar of the Mohawk Valley. After arriving from Toronto in 1960 to play for the Clinton Comets, Kane made the area his home for more than six decades — dedicating his life to the growth of the game and the people around him.
He coached in the Clinton Youth Hockey program for six years, leading a state champion Squirt team in 1973 that went on to finish third nationally. He later guided Clinton Central High School from 1985 to 1991, where his teams captured a Division II title and reached the Section III Finals.
Kane also gave back through clinics, benefit games, and youth instruction at the Harris-Keon Hockey School and Colgate University Hockey School, mentoring countless players who would go on to carry his passion for the game forward. His commitment to the community reflected the same heart and humility that defined his playing career.
KANE’S LEGENDARY CAREER
A native of Toronto, Ontario, Jack Kane joined the Clinton Comets of the Eastern Hockey League in 1960 and quickly became one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
The all-time leading scorer in Comets regular season history, Kane recorded 333 goals, 639 assists, and 972 points over 12 seasons — including eight as team captain. He led Clinton to four Walker Cup championships and seven division titles, anchoring what is widely regarded as the greatest line in EHL history alongside Bill Bannerman and Borden Smith. Together, they produced more goals and points than any other line in the league’s 40-year existence.
Kane’s leadership, skill, and consistency made him a cornerstone of the Clinton dynasty and a fan favorite throughout the Eastern League. He was inducted into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 for his achievements as both an athlete and coach.
Jack Kane’s name is synonymous with Mohawk Valley hockey — a symbol of dedication, sportsmanship, and community pride that will endure for generations to come.