Longtime referee John (Jake) Jacobs of Stettler is bound for induction into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame.
Jacobs was among the nominees that Hockey Alberta announced last Thursday in the builders’ category.
Induction ceremonies are planned in conjunction with the Hockey Alberta awards gala, set for June 15 at the Sheraton Red Deer Hotel.
This year’s induction class includes builders Don Phelps and Rick Polutnik, the 1980-81 SAIT Trojans and the 1947 Edmonton Flyers.
In a glowing citation, Hockey Alberta recognized Jacobs’ dedicated career:
“John (Jake) Jacobs, revered by those lucky enough to know him, is a Level 4 official that started his officiating career in 1967. Serving as a referee instructor for nearly 20 years, those whom John has instructed over the years see him as a mentor and motivation for becoming a better official.
“A player himself for many years, Jake switched to officiating because he believed he could make a greater contribution. Through his commitments in such roles as clinic Instructor and referee-in-chief of his hometown of Stettler, acting as referee council member and referee zone co-ordinator, and as an official himself through national and international events (including six Viking Cups), John has played an invaluable role of making Alberta hockey better for decades.
“John is the past recipient of multiple awards, including Hockey Alberta’s Hockey Development Award, the Ernie Boruk Award and the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation Award — all for his significant contributions to officiating in Alberta.”