It has been a great journey of steady progression for Jarren Schultz. The fifth-year Clipper is playing in his final ACAC games this weekend, and will be closing a chapter on a career that is marked by hard work and determination to improve.

Shultz, who grew up in Camrose, AB, where he was raised by parents Darryl and Dyann, has had to work hard to become a great player in the high caliber ACAC hockey league. Schultz was a standout at the AAA level and won the RAMHL AAA Championship in 2005-06, but coming to Briercrest to compete in the ACAC was still a huge step up.

“I would attribute a lot of my development to people like Matt Bothwell and Jayson Zilkie who really pumped my tires early on . . . and my coach, Calvin Watson, so saw potential in me my first year, when I probably shouldn’t have been in the league”, said Schultz. “They encouraged me excel at the simple things.”

And excel he has. Schultz has gone from a player struggling to fit in to the league, to now being the top-line center for the Clippers, between wingers Dare Mably and Craig Cornelson, and he is also an integral part of the leadership team. Last season he finished third on the team in scoring, and again this season, he is third on the team in scoring. He is currently second on the team in assists, which he says is the aspect of the game he enjoys the most.

“I love setting up Craig or Dare for a nice goal.”

The success Schultz has seen over the last few seasons is a testament to his desire to do whatever it takes to improve and do the most he can with the abilities God has given him. He notes that he could not have accomplished anything on his own.

“I attribute most of my success to former and current teammates and coaches, along with my wife and family who have supported and encouraged me in my hockey career.”

The 5’ 11’ center loves the environment and atmosphere he has experienced with Briercrest hockey.

“I really enjoy all of my teammates, the friendships made on and off the ice and the professional approach to how the coaching staff has treated me”, said Schultz. “Their level of commitment and approach to the team/ program has made me excited about coming to the rink every day because I know they encourage me to do my best.”

Some personal highlights for Schultz have been the playoff experiences the team had in his second and third year and also, “Scoring my first ACAC goal in my home town of Camrose on my buddy who was the goalie for Augustana!”

Schultz originally chose Briercrest because “it was a place where I could combine learning more of what it means to follow Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, and grow in my hockey career.”

He ended up getting more than he bargained for, as he not only grew in both of those areas, but will also be graduating with his BA in Business Administration this April.

As Schultz’s time at Briercrest comes to a close, he says that one of the things they will miss is “the Christian community and friendships that have made my wife and I excited about coming back every year.”

As they look ahead, the plan is to do some travelling as a couple and see where God leads them one year at a time.

Congratulations to Jarren on a great ACAC career with the Briercrest Clippers!