Standout Stripes: Featuring Patrick Schubert

One Referee’s Journey from Player to Pro
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Meet Patrick Schubert, a rising star in the officiating world whose dedication to the game and commitment to his craft are shaping him into an exceptional referee. Patrick’s journey to becoming a referee is marked by hard work, guidance from mentors, and a love for the game that started well before he picked up the whistle. All while juggling being a full-time college student. 

A Referee’s Journey: From Player to Official
Patrick's hockey story began on the ice as a player. He skated until he was 12 years old, but after transitioning to officiating, he’s never looked back. Throughout his career, Patrick has worked his way through junior, club, and college-level games, even officiating two national tournaments last year.

As a sophomore at Gettysburg College studying history, Patrick’s balancing act between school and officiating is no easy feat but he’s committed to making it work. Last semester out of 16 weekends, he was home for only two and officiating the rest.
 
He took on his first games in women’s hockey last season including Atlantic and NEWHA, while continuing to work on the men’s side, ranging from D3 to his first D1 men’s games. “This season, I’ve been stepping up one step at a time,” he says.

In every game, he focuses on improving his positioning and his decision-making, knowing that each experience makes him better.

Patrick’s dad, Mike Schubert, also a referee, and Gene Binda Sr. have both been key figures in his development. He recently worked alongside both of them at the 2025 College Tampa Showcase learning the importance of mentorship in the officiating world. 

How Ref's Crease Has Helped Patrick Grow
For Patrick, Ref's Crease has been more than just a resource—it’s been a community and a support system. Ref's Crease helped him a lot with visibility and being able to keep improving. As he continues to work his way up the officiating ladder, Patrick’s goal is to keep pushing forward—always striving to be better.

Officiating, especially at a young age, teaches valuable skills that extend beyond the rink. Patrick believes that referees gain a sense of leadership and the ability to stay calm under pressure—traits that are essential in both the game and real life. "Being able to stay calm and make a decision in dramatic situations is such a valuable skill," he says.

When asked about his most memorable moments, Patrick recalls how much he’s learned from communicating with coaches and other officials. “Refereeing builds a lot of leadership skills and helps you demonstrate authority in a way that people respect.”

Advice for Future Referees
Patrick's advice for newcomers to the officiating world is simple: "Just do it." He emphasizes that, even if you make mistakes along the way, you’ll learn and grow. "You’ll get yelled at. It happens at every level. Be prepared for it," he says. The key, according to Patrick, is to focus on moving forward, learning from every call, and striving to improve each time you hit the ice. “Work on small things like positioning. Every game, try to improve just a little bit.”

The Best Part of Being a Referee
Patrick’s passion for officiating is clear when he talks about his favorite parts of the job. First and foremost: skating. “It’s challenging and fun,” he says. But beyond the thrill of being on the ice, he values the camaraderie among his fellow referees. "The locker room vibes—fist bumps and high fives before the game—it makes my weekend," Patrick shares. The sense of community is something special in the world of officiating, and for Patrick, it’s one of the best parts of the job.

Traveling for games is another perk that Patrick enjoys. “I get paid to travel and work at the same time,” he says, mentioning places like Boston to Nashville and even Florida. 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Patrick Schubert?
As Patrick continues to grow in his referee career, he’s committed to moving up the ranks one step at a time. His dedication to improving, his love for the game, and the mentorship he’s received from his dad and others in the officiating community have set him on a path toward success. 
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Other than being a referee, Patrick is working towards his college degree to work for the National Park Service under the Civil War track, this is why he’s enrolled in Gettysburg College.

"Ref’s Crease has been there for me, and I’m excited to see where the future takes me," he says. 
As Patrick Schubert’s story shows, the path to becoming a top-tier referee is about more than just knowing the rules. It’s about dedication, leadership, and a love for the game that goes beyond the whistle. If you’re looking to follow in Patrick’s footsteps, remember his advice: take it step by step, stay calm under pressure, and always strive to be better every game.
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While Patrick isn’t on the ice or studying for his Bachelor’s Degree, you can catch him watching all types of hockey and when asked his favorite team, well being a Philly local, he had to pick the Philly Flyers.