Schulz returns in stripes

COLUMBUS , GA  – On February 9, 2008, the Columbus Cottonmouths were taking on the Jacksonville Barracudas. That night Jason Schulz made his SPHL debut as a defenseman with Columbus. On that February night, he endeared himself to Cottonmouths fans at the end of the second period when he dropped the gloves with former Columbus forward Connor MacDonald, and showed the heart that would ultimately make him a fan favorite.
Almost two years later, Schulz made a debut of a different kind. On December 23, 2010, Schulz made his SPHL and professional debut as a linesman when the same Cottonmouths he once played for took on the Augusta RiverHawks.
“It’s a big change, I’m used to things being different, dressing in the locker room,“ Schulz said. “Now I’m dressing in a different room. It’s part of the job.”
Jason Schulz took up hockey in his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico for fun. When the chance to play for the Scorpions came, he took it and played three games during the 2002-2003 season. Then when Cottonmouths coach Jerome Bechard needed a defenseman, he didn’t have to look far. He placed a call to former teammate and then Scorpions coach Randy Murphy, who sent him in Schulz’s direction.
Jason didn’t play long in Columbus but he left a mark. Cottonmouths fan Diana Provencio will always remember Schulz.
“On the ice Jason was a consistent, hard worker. Off the ice, he was kind and never hesitated to answer a question. He was always ready to sign an autograph. He was my favorite player,” she said. “Now as a linesman, I respect the fact that he’s using his knowledge as a player and using that to become a fair official.”
Being an official was Schulz’s plan from the beginning. He eventually became certified as an official by USA Hockey, clearing the way to work pro games.
“I started officiating before coming to Columbus. After playing I got back into it, I moved from Albuquerque to St. Louis and did some junior games,” he said.
Having been a player, Schulz said that he approaches working as an official in a similar fashion to how he prepared as a player. He also said that he feels that having worn a player’s jersey has given him a better insight into being a ref – including taking ribbing from former teammates.
“It’s different, but being a former player gives me a better look at the game. It gives me the ability to see things forming than someone who didn’t play (might not). On the other hand, having played for Columbus some of the guys give it to you more, saying ‘Hey, you blew that call’ when you didn’t,” he said. “The mindset is a little different, but I get prepared the same way. I don’t think about it. I just get dressed and go out and do it.”
For Schulz, making his professional debut in Columbus, a place he called home for two seasons, was a bit of luck. In the process of receiving emails regarding available assignments, he saw that the game in Columbus was open and jumped at the chance.
“I picked up the game a week earlier, because I knew it was going to be my first. The game wasn’t filled and the league sent out an e-mail,” he said. “When I saw it was in Columbus, I jumped on it and they gave it to me.”
Some may question a former player officiating a game with his former team, but Coach Bechard disagrees with that notion.
“It’s good (having) a former player as an official. He knows the game. He knows the intricacies.” Bechard said, ”It’s nice to have a former player out there because he knows the game, he knows all the stuff that goes on out there. I’m proud of him, glad he found a way to stay in the game.”
Present Cottonmouth player Peter MacDougall agreed with his coach.
“It always helps when they’ve (officials) played professional hockey. Obviously, when they’ve played, the official can expect what’s happening,” MacDougall said. “From what I heard from the guys who played with him and from Coach Bechard, Jason’s a class act and a hard worker.”
Schulz knew that his first trip into the Columbus Civic Center as a linesman would be different. The first change was which dressing room to head to.
“It’s a big change, I’m used to things being different, dressing in the locker room. Now I’m dressing in a different room. It’s part of the job,” he said.
Once he got past finding the right room, Schulz said the rest of that first night was a great experience.
“Jerome came in and said hi, he was all smiles about it,” Schulz said. “To come in here and get heckled by the guys and having Jerome chirping at me was fun. It was real cool to come back here.”
Since making his debut, Schulz has made multiple appearances in games around the league. Thus far, the reviews have been good, proving that a former player can go home again – even if he is wearing stripes.
Contact the author at lee.marion@prohockeynews.com