Red Deer's Jacob Hicks, left, officiated his first AHL game at the Scotiabank Saddledome in a matchup between the Calgary Wranglers and the Abbotsford Canucks. (Photo contributed by Jacob Hicks)

By Ian Gustafson

‘It was surreal’: Red Deer’s Jacob Hicks makes AHL debut

Oct 23, 2024 | 9:55 AM

Red Deer’s Jacob Hicks took a massive step in his pursuit of one day becoming a National Hockey League linesman.

The 22-year-old officiated his first ever American Hockey League (AHL) game just over a week ago at the Scotiabank Saddledome in a matchup between the Calgary Wranglers and Abbotsford Canucks on Saturday, Oct. 12.

He said it was a surreal moment.

“The goal is to work for the NHL and so to work for the number one development league for professional hockey was a really special moment,” he said.

“I tried to soak it in as best as I could. It’s obviously kind of a balance between wanting to perform but also taking that minute when you get out there to take it in. I definitely took in the national anthem and the first few seconds of the puck being dropped to appreciate the moment. Then it was time to do my job.”

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Hicks’ time in the AHL isn’t over yet either as he prepares for a matchup this Friday in Calgary between the Wranglers and the Colorado Eagles. He’ll also be on the ice for two games against the San Diego Gulls next week in Calgary on Tuesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 31.

The American Hockey League serves as a professional developmental league for all 32 NHL teams. Most players, once drafted into the NHL from junior hockey will play in the AHL first before making it to the league. The same goes for officials and referees.

“It’s a pretty neat feeling,” he added.

“It’s the culmination of a lot of time spent working off the ice and time watching video. It’s pretty sweet to have something to reflect on at work and also just to enjoy the experience of that hockey. It’s a lot of fun.”

At 13-years-old, Hicks quit hockey to pursue volleyball and officiating. From there on, he played school sports while officiating minor hockey at the same time which led to him joining the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings volleyball team after high school.

While competing for the Kings from 2021-2023, he also officiated games in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). Last year he stepped away from volleyball to ensure he had enough time for more officiating opportunities.

Last season was his first in the Western Hockey League where he officiated Red Deer Rebels games and plenty others.

He’s continued that this season while also doing games in the AJHL, USports, and of course, the AHL.

He earned his shot in the AHL after attending a Hockey Canada development opportunity called the officiating program of excellence in Ontario, which was a tryout for international hockey.

While there, he caught the eyes of some AHL officiating staff. He also attended the NHL combine during the summer of 2023, which the league uses as an opportunity to hire officials.

In general, he said most officials are hired as an official in the AHL in there mid-20s. At 22-years-old, he said some have been hired at his age and some even younger. The officials in the NHL tend to be older.

“The dream is to make it to the NHL and is the goal I work hard for every day to achieve and I’m definitely not stopping here,” he said.

“That’s the cool part about working in the league is seeing not only how far I’ve come with my skill but also how far I still need to go to be able to make the next jump. I often hear that you need to master the league you’re in to even think about working the next one.”