JAMESTOWN – It’s a big chance for a Jamestown alum.

Former Blue Jay athlete Jake Stilwell has been named as the new Head Coach for Jamestown High School Boys Hockey.

Stilwell, who was an assistant coach for the Jays this past season, is a 2013 JHS graduate and played collegiately at Concordia-Moorhead.  Before returning to Jamestown, Stilwell was a coach at Williston High School and a teacher at Bakken Elementary School in Williston.  He current is a sixth grade science teacher at Jamestown Middle School.

In a press release, Jamestown High School Athletic Director Jim Roaldson said, “We are very excited to see where Coach Stilwell can lead this program into the future. He brings a lot of different experiences and influences to the position that will
serve him well. A student of the game, he will work towards building individual and team skill while focusing on building a positive team culture in the locker room.”

Stilwell replaces Matt Stockert, who spent 20 seasons as the Blue Jays’ head coach.  Jamestown was 11-13-0 in 2023-24, losing to Bismarck Century in a state qualifying game of the West Region tournament.  In 2021-22, Stockert led the Blue Jays to their first West Region title since 1995 and was named Coach of the Year.  Jamestown finished fifth at the state tournament that season.

photo courtesy Jamestown Public Schools