PAUL JENE, FPHL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Binghamton, NY – The Federal Prospects Hockey League announces its selection for the FPHL Achievement Award. This award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of an individual who's long-term contributions to the game of hockey is representative of not only his integrity & success of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, but also his professionalism in representing that of The FPHL, its players & member organizations.  This individuals career accomplishments serve as an inspiration to others regarding the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in the game hockey on and off the ice.  This selection is chosen from a democratic voting process by (2) representatives from each FPHL member club followed by a verification from FPHL League Staff.   

The FPHL Congratulates Paul Jene as the recipient for the 2024-25 FPHL Achievement Award.  Paul is the FPHL Director of Officials and also contributes to FPHL marketing, expansion efforts, new team onboarding along with support and personnel training.

Paul with his Son Trevor who was an Intern with the Baton Rouge Zydeco

Jene has been part of the FPHL (FHL) since 2012. He began as a referee and assisted the former league RIC with recruitment in the midwest. When the former RIC chose to cut ties with the FPHL, Jene was asked if he could step in. Jene started by changing the systems and recruitment methods of the FPHL targeting a larger group of tenured officials bringing in a higher caliber of skill and experience.  He has strengthened the league bringing in officials from the NHL, AHL, ECHL, CHL, IHL, OHL, USHL, NCAA D1 and D3.   During his time with the FPHL, Jene has implemented full-time use of the 4-man officiating system as well has helped develop league policies and procedures. He has been an integral part of supporting the league’s growth with personnel development in marketing and training on and off-ice officials.   He has added some of the most respected officiating supervisors in hockey and in 2022 helped the FPHL bring on Dave Jackson as the Director of Player Safety.  In 2024,  Jene was invited to the NHL Officiating Combine andrepresented the FPHL for recruitment purposes.   In addition, Jene helps teams across the league with marketing and website development, social media development & presence, as well as providing expansion guidance.


Jene began officiating junior hockey in 2008 in Los Angeles, California and was recruited by the USA Hockey officiating development program the summer of 2009. He moved back to his home state of Wisconsin where he began working with USA Hockey and was recruited to also work NCAA D1 and D3. Just one month after starting in the officiating development program, Paul worked his first professional hockey game in the IHL which merged the following year into the Central Hockey League (CHL) where Jene was a league regular.  Jene continues to be an active referee and dedicates 100% of his time to the FPHL and the Great Lakes hockey league that operates out of his home state of Wisconsin.


In his acceptance, Jene expressed gratitude, stating, “This recognition is not just for me but for all on and off-Ice officials and those involved in game day operations and behind the scenes staff. These roles are often under appreciated, yet are vital for the existence and integrity of the game. I hope to continue to spread my love for the game by promoting sportsmanship and continue educating others to help overcome the daily challenges we face." 

Commissioner Don Kirnan also commented stating “Paul has been very instrumental in the development and expansion of the league.  As we have continued to expand, we would not have been able to do so without his help.  His dedication to the league has shined with his countless hours and sleepless nights of work.  Our Officiating program continues to grow and get better every year.  Only the NHL and AHL have used 4 officials on a regular basis and because of Paul we also continuously use that system here which has helped bring a safer and more skilled game to the FPHL.  We congratulate Paul on this well deserved honor, and look forward to many more years of expansion and development with him."


Jene resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his wife, Sarah and his children Winter, Bodie, Trevor, and Ella.  He is a full-time contracting salesman on top of his duties with the federal prospects hockey league.


The FPHL is a Single-A Minor Professional hockey league operating in its 15th season during 2024-25.