Detroit, MI. – Jacob “Jake” Nelson has done it all it seems. The Chelsea Michigan native is a 7-time MHSAA state track and field champion, he has won 17 medals in track, he was the first athlete ever in the state of Michigan to run an adaptive track relay, and he has officiated all over the state at High School events, Special Oylmpic events and more. But on Thursday night, March 27th his career took a bigger swing upward as he was selected to be an honorary referee at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit as the Red Wings hockey team hosted the Ottawa Senators.
This was a major honor for the young man as he showed up all decked out in his official MHSAA referee uniform. He was met by the other refs and they showered him with gifts as they gave him an official NHL referee shirt, 2 pucks, and 2 hats. He got to hang out with the refs in their locker room and go out on the ice with them during the National Anthem. He then sat behind the player’s bench where he officiated the game, a tough 4-3 loss for the Red Wings who are fighting for a playoff spot.
The event was set up by Special Olympics and Zebras Care who let the Red Wings know about Jake because he does so much and he helped them out with the Poly Hockey Tournament.
Jake has been interested in officiating games since he was in middle school when his siblings would play sports. He has studied the games over the years and he picks up on things very fast and at times will do a better job than the other officials. In his hometown community of Chelsea, he is well known and can be seen almost always wearing an officiating uniform as he covers all sports at all levels. He loves all sports and has a love for the games but his favorite sport to cover is volleyball.
“Last year I heard there was a shortage of referees so I wanted to help,” Jake said. “I loved being on the ice at the Red Wings game. It was an honor to be out there for the National Anthem on the ice.”
Jake will be out officiating in more games this year as the weather gets better and I’m sure we will see him refereeing professional sports as teams and people work hard to make this great young man’s dreams come true!
