Green High School welcomed a familiar face this year as Jeff Wells takes on the role of assistant principal for grades nine and 11. While no stranger to the GHS community, his diverse background might come as a pleasant surprise to many.
Wells played professional ice hockey from 1994 through 2006. His journey began at the collegiate level while attending Bowling Green State University, where he primarily played as a defenseman. His inaugural year was marked by great promise, but during his sophomore year, he truly showed his skill. Despite his exceptional performance, the season ended with Bowling Green’s worst hockey record in history. However, his junior season saw the team’s morale bounce back. In his senior year, Wells was not only named team captain but also tied for the Falcons’ scoring title, earning him the prestigious title of All-American. This achievement was a turning point, marking the first winning season for the Bowling Green Falcons in four years.
Reflecting on his hockey career, Wells said, “I never even thought that pro hockey would be an option.”
He acknowledged that transitioning to the professional level was a daunting prospect, “As always, when you move on to something else, you realize how good everybody else is… there’s always better players,” he said.
Nevertheless, Wells embarked on a professional hockey career that took him around the world, playing for teams such as the Providence Bruins, Birmingham Bulls, Cincinnati Cyclones, Seibu Bears Tokyo, Toledo Storm, Cleveland Barons, and the Fort Worth Brahmas. His travels exposed him to diverse cultures, including Switzerland, Japan, and Korea.
Wells’s educational journey began during his college years where he pursued a degree in special education alongside his athletics. When the time came to transition away from hockey, he was well-prepared with his degree, allowing for a seamless move into the next chapter of his life.
Highlighting the stark contrast between the demanding hockey schedule and the more structured school calendar, he said, “I liked the fact that I got my holidays back.”
In addition to his journey from professional hockey to education, Wells’s background also includes being a Canadian who pursued U.S. citizenship. The citizenship process involved proving his fluency in English, memorizing facts from a study guide, and demonstrating his commitment to becoming an active member of American society. As the principal at Green Middle School, he frequently took the opportunity to share his experience with social studies students and answer their questions about the citizenship process.
Despite the significant change of moving to the high school this year, Mr. Wells remains unfazed. He enjoys reconnecting with his former students and witnessing their matured demeanors in the hallways. His journey, from the rink to the classroom, shows his determination and passion for both education and athletics. Through his ongoing contributions to the educational environment at Green High School, Mr. Wells hopes to build connections with the familiar faces here at GHS.
