Player Rep Spotlight: Jimmy Schuldt (Coachella Valley Firebirds)

Jimmy Schuldt is the PHPA Player Representative for the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL. Schuldt played four seasons at St. Cloud State University and was the team Captain for three. Following his senior season in 2019, he turned pro and made his NHL debut with the Vegas Golden Knights. Schuldt is now entering his fifth professional season and second with the Firebirds. 

How / why did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

I was our team representative in Rochester a couple seasons ago.  Our Captain, Michael Mersch, had a newborn son and needed someone to take care of the responsibilities. 

My responsibilities are mostly helping guys get questions answered about insurance and travel as well as anything else related to the players association. 

What attracted you to attend St. Cloud State University and how did you enjoy your time there?

My parents are both St. Cloud State grads, so I grew up cheering for the Huskies. It’s close to home and once I visited the campus, I felt like it was a great fit. 

It’s a cliche, but it truly was the best four years of my life. The culture and the people there around the hockey program is the best it gets. 

You were named Captain of the team in your sophomore season.  What qualities do you believe you possessed which helped you achieve the Captaincy in year 2?

I was given the opportunity to contribute right away as a freshman and I think I was able to show my commitment to the team and program right away. I also learned a ton from Ethan Prow, who was my captain my first year at SCSU. 

Upon the completion of your Senior season, you signed an entry-level contract with the Vegas Golden Knights as an undrafted free agent and made your NHL debut 3 days later. What do you remember most leading up to your NHL debut and during the game?

It was an emotional time for me because my college team lost just before that. I remember how great of an experience that game was and it has given me motivation ever since to play at that level again. 

Last summer you signed with Coachella ahead of their inaugural season. What attracted you to sign there? Did the season and fan support surpass your expectations? What was the atmosphere like during the home games?

I signed with CV just before the season started so I was excited for the opportunity. The fans and overall experience in the desert wildly surpassed my expectations, and the atmosphere, especially during the playoffs, was the best I’ve been a part of in the American League. The way the fans embraced the team right away in our first season was really fun to see. 

Being from Minnesota, how did you enjoy living in California? Did you develop any new hobbies or activities away from the rink?

Living in Palm Springs during the winter months is pretty ideal to say the least. Golfing is definitely a hobby of most of my teammates on off days. But we also really enjoy the hiking trails around the area.

You seem to be a big Minnesota Vikings fan. Who is your favourite player on the Vikings and why?

I love the Vikings.  Probably too much sometimes.  Over the last few years I’ve grown to like Kirk Cousins a lot more. I appreciate his approach to the game and the fact that his life always revolves around his family and faith the most. 

I also like Harrison Smith because he plays the game hard. 

Favourite TV show/movie you recently watched?

Shrinking is a great show. Good plot and story with enough humor thrown in to feel good after watching it. 

What was the best piece of advice you have ever received from someone?

My Dad has told me a lot to just be myself. I think with the amount of social media there is today, it’s easy to try to be something you think other people want you to be.

Do you have a dog?

Yes, thank you for asking! I have a bernedoodle puppy named Bear. She’s very cute. I’ll attach a picture.