Two officials from Alberta had the opportunity to officiate at the 2024 WHL Cup, taking place in Red Deer from October 23-27.

Flynn McGeough (Olds) and Josh Meier (Calgary) both gave an insight into their current officiating experience before going into the WHL Cup.

Flynn McGeough (Olds)

I am currently in my 10th season of officiating and have officiated just under 850 games. I was hired to the AJHL as a linesperson at 20, and a referee at 21.

A few fun assignments I have skated have been the U18 AAA Mac’s Gold Medal Game (2023), Heritage Jr B Finals (2022, 2023, 2024), Hockey Canada Hlinka Cup Selection Camp (2022) and also now my selection for the 2024 WHL Cup. My most memorable would be the Macs Gold Medal game when SAHA took on the Calgary Buffaloes. I have never seen the Max Bell Arena so full. 

Outside of officiating, I am a student going into my 2nd year of Turfgrass Management at Olds College, and am working at the Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club as an Intern Agronomist, with intentions of working in the United States to further my knowledge. In my downtime I like to golf and just be outside. 

Josh Meier (Calgary)

I am in my 9th year of officiating now, my first game was November 1st, 2016 at Flames Community Arenas. I’ve officiated just over 600 games to date.

I got into officiating because of my Dad, who was a longtime referee. After growing up witnessing all of the unbelievable opportunities he received, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career as an official no matter what I’d have to sacrifice. He provided myself and the rest of our family so many opportunities to see different places, and be exposed to exciting events together. 

Some of the most exciting assignments I’ve been able to receive include a game between the U18 Hungarian National Team and the Calgary Buffaloes during the December 2022 Circle K Classic. The Hungarian fans were unbelievable and gave us a glimpse of what Euro hockey can be like, and with the Buffaloes being the team from my home zone growing up watching, it made the game extra special to me.

This past August I had the chance to attend the NHL Officiating Exposure Combine in Buffalo, New York. It was an exhausting but exhilarating week that I worked very hard to prepare for. It was great to meet fellow officials from all over the world and create some new relationships.

I am in my 4th year at the University of Calgary pursuing a degree in Geography, and I enjoy watching my brother play for the UofC men’s Dinos volleyball team when I have a night off. During the offseason I enjoy hiking in the mountains, getting in some rounds of golf, and spending time at the family cabin in Waskesiu, Saskatchewan. 

Hayley Butz is Hockey Alberta’s Official of the Year.

Overcoming a broken leg, an injury suffered while playing rugby, Butz had a banner season on both the provincial and national level.

She attended Hockey Alberta’s officiating summer development camp as well as Hockey Canada’s officiating program of excellence camp.

Butz was selected to officiate the 2023 Canada Winter Games and the 2023 Women’s U18 National Championships, where she was picked to officiate the gold medal game at both events.

In February, Butz was selected by Hockey Canada to be certified as a National High Performance Official – the highest ranking possible for an official within Hockey Canada’s program.

On top of her two national events earlier in the year, she also officiated the Women’s USports Nationals in Saskatoon. When available, she also spends time giving back to officiating through coaching and supervision of other officials.

Hockey Alberta Officials Development Camp was held July 3^rd thru 7^th in conjunction with the Team Alberta Male Under-16 Summer Camp. The camp consisted of classroom sessions, guest speakers, on- and off-ice testing, power skating, supervised game action, video analysis, and more. 

Congratulations to the following officials on their selection to participate:

Carter Bagg (Calgary)

Kalaeb Brhane (Calgary)

Lindsey Ducharme (Fort Macleod)

Trent Ducharme (Fort Macleod)

Brendan English (Castor)

Brett Friesen (Grande Prairie)

Emily Hill (Calgary)

Silas Johnson (Edmonton)

Dawson Laycock (St. Albert)

Maverick Lynes (Edmonton)

Josh Meier (Calgary)

Ziad Music (Calgary)

Breylan Ottenbreit (Sherwood Park)

Brandon Peterson (Calgary)

Grayson Pollok (Edmonton)

Jack Saunders (Sherwood Park)

The John Jacobs Award is presented annually at Development Camp to the official deemed to be most promising based on their overall attitude, engagement, performance at the camp. A huge congratulations to this year’s recipient, Emily Hill, who joins a long list of past winners, many of whom have worked national and international tournaments.

Two Albertan officials will find themselves in the middle of important Hockey Canada events this summer.

Jacob Hicks (Red Deer) and Jesse Wood-Schatz (Sylvan Lake) will both have important roles over the next month and a half, as Hicks as been selected to attend the Hockey Canada Officiating Program of Excellence National Men’s Summer Camp from July 20-23 in Oakville, Ontario, while Wood-Schatz has been selected to referee the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup from August 5-10 in Edmonton.

Both officials come into their respective events with a lot of experience.

Jacob Hicks

Hicks embarked on his officiating journey at age of thirteen, transitioning from playing hockey to pursuing school sports. Inspired by a passion for the game, he seized opportunities early on, joining the AJHL as a linesperson at eighteen while competing with the RDP Kings Men’s Volleyball program.

His dedication and athleticism shone through at events such as the Hockey Alberta Officials Summer Development Camp, Western Hockey League Exposure Camps in 2022 and 2023, and the NHL Officiating Exposure Combine. Hicks attributes his fitness excellence to years of CrossFit training at Pure Fitness.

After retiring from ACAC volleyball, Hicks committed to his officiating career while pursuing a Bachelor of Education Degree, eventually earning a coveted spot on the WHL officiating staff, earning 16 games and a playoff assignment in his rookie season. Hicks also achieved notable milestones such as officiating the AJHL League Semifinals and the WHL Cup Final.

Hicks acknowledges the invaluable mentorship of veteran officials in his hometown of Red Deer and credits the comprehensive development programs provided by Hockey Alberta, the WHL, and AJHL for his continued success.

As he prepares for his inaugural assignment from Hockey Canada’s Officiating Program of Excellence, Hicks is eager to represent Alberta, recognizing it as a powerhouse for officiating development in Canada.

The OPOE is the pathway through which Canadian officials are selected for top national and international assignments. Officials enter the OPOE through regional identification camps, based on nominations from their Member programs. 

Jesse Wood-Schatz

Wood-Schatz’s journey into officiating began in 2019 in Sylvan Lake, Alberta after he took a hiatus from playing due to injuries sustained while competing at AAA, AJHL, and briefly in the WHL at the age of 16. He started officiating minor hockey from U7 to U18, balancing a passion hockey and his work looking after the family farm. Progressing quickly, Wood-Schatz was selected to attend the Hockey Alberta Officiating Summer Development in July of 2022

During the 2022/23 season, Wood-Schatz began officiating in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, his abilities quickly earned him a spot at the WHL and NHL exposure combines in 2023.

Impressing at the WHL combine, Wood-Schatz secured a position on the WHL officiating team for the 2023/24 season, officiating over 30 games. In September of 2023, he was selected to attend the Hockey Canada’s Officiating Program of Excellence (OPOE) camp in Calgary.

His dedication and growth were further acknowledged with his assignment to officiate at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August. Wood-Schatz remains committed to advancing the sport in Alberta and mentoring future officials, all the while expressing his deep appreciation for the profound impact hockey has had on his life.”

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an annual invitation-only event held each August that is the only best-on-best competition at the U18 level. The tournament serves as the first opportunity for fans and scouts to see NHL Draft prospects in their draft year, 10 months before the draft takes place.

OAKVILLE – The Calgary Canucks aren’t the only piece of Alberta hockey headed to the Centennial Cup.

Alberta officials Mason Stewart and Scott Kramers have both been selected to officiate at the event, taking place in Oakville from May 9-19. The hosting Oakville Blades welcome the champions of the AJHL, SJHL, MJHL, SIJHL, NOJHL, OJHL, CCHL, LHJAAAQ and MHL to compete for Canada’s National Junior A Championship.

Both experienced officials, Stewart and Kramers bring skill and quality officiating to the table in their years on the ice.

Mason Stewart – Calgary

Stewart began officiating at the age of twelve in the Central Region. From there, he attended Central Zone Camp and Hockey Alberta Development Camp in 2013, Hockey Canada OPOE in 2015, the World U17 Championship in 2017 and the Canada Winter Games in 2019. Recently, Stewart attended the Hockey Canada National High Performance Camp in February.

Stewart has ten seasons in the AJHL under his belt, including three league finals appearances. He also has spent eight seasons with the WHL, including three appearances in the second round of the WHL Playoffs.

The Centennial Cup is Stewart’s first appearance as an official at a National Championship, and he is looking forward to the experience.

Scott Kramers – Edmonton

Kramers is in the midst of wrapping up his twelfth season officiating as he steps into the Centennial Cup. Kramers skated the preliminary rounds at the 2022 World Junior Championships in Edmonton prior to his first National Championship assignment this year. He has spent nine years officiating at the Junior A and Major Junior level, spending five seasons in the AJHL and four seasons in the WHL. Kramers is also looking forward to his first experience with a major Hockey Canada assignment.

Fellow Officials:

I hope that you were all able to grow and develop both on and off the ice this season. As the season concludes, we can celebrate our accomplishments, while also reflecting on our shortcomings and working hard to improve in those areas. Here are a few highlights from the 2023-24 season:

Clinics

Hosted approximately 270 clinics across the province, registering 5,729 officials (an increase of 624 from last year). A huge THANK YOU to all instructors and clinic coordinators for all the time and effort spent to get our season off to a great start. Also thank you to Dave Butler for his massive contribution in ensuring every registration for every official across the province is complete and correct.

Regional Highlights

North West (Peace):

• Hosted the Alberta Winter Games, U21B Provincials, and this week’s National Aboriginal Hockey Championship.
• Worked effectively with officials in NE British Columbia to support many leagues in NW Alberta.

North East:

• Hosted a successful Level 3 & MHP Camp in August to allow officials the opportunity to upgrade their level this season.
• Continued to foster a relationship with Hockey Saskatchewan as there are several border-crossing leagues and covering such a large number of games in a large geographical area is a challenge.

North:

• A strong volunteer base dedicated to developing officials at the grass roots level and consistently producing quality officials for provincial and national consideration.
• Provincial leader for female official development, with a supportive environment that has developed and prepared officials to be successful at all levels of hockey.

North Central:

• Excellent adaptability and “get things done” attitude in recruiting and supporting new officials, as well as the many events that come with having the Hockey Alberta office in Red Deer
• Cody Huseby to oversee Prospects Cup as a regional development opportunity which will be a huge boost to the region and province in both the short- and long-term.

Central:

• Successfully hosted the Circle K Classic and its large number of games for both officials and supervisors.
• Officials’ availability remains a challenge at elite levels with the population of players far exceeding the number of qualified officials.
• Expecting more collaboration with Hockey Calgary for next season, leading to an evolution in how things are done, as well as a cultural shift to set up the Calgary area for future success.

South:

• A constant ability to adapt to any challenge presented to them and a positive culture of quality officials always willing to support those around them.
• This part of the province can be difficult logistically difficult but their innovative efforts to make that a non-factor for their officials are not to be overlooked.

Provincial Highlights

Provincial Assigning: There were some bumps but also many successes with this new initiative, including officials travelling for the opportunity to work U18AAA and/ or Female ACAC playoffs. Focus for next season is to improve communication on how we assign our top levels of hockey and determine which officials to include on those lists.

Many thanks to Scott Mah (North), Lisa Heddinger (South) and Dean Laschowski (AJHL and Male Elite) for assigning 1,127 games (5,104 assignments), utilizing 400 officials across the province.

Development: Enough can’t be said about the work by Colin Watt for the improvement and celebrated success for all officials (male and female) this past season.

This season’s Development events were the AEHL U18AAA, U17AAA, U15AAA showcases; Alberta Winter Games (female competition), AFHL U18AAA provincials, Alberta Cup, Alberta Challenge, and Development Camp coming in July. These events are the main pathway for officials to be identified and fine-tuned within the program with a solid foundation established for continued growth.

• Spring Showcase (Alberta Cup and Alberta Challenge): Justin (Curt) L’Heureux coordinating the coaching of our officials at these short-term competitions. His knowledge and commitment is greatly appreciated as he has built connections with all these officials.
• Alberta Winter Games: Referees-in-chief were L’Heureux (female event) and Dave Macpherson (male event). Very cool experience for our officials to work an event of this magnitude. Officials were brought in from across the province for the female tournament, affording some of them their first opportunity to work with an all-female crew. The male tournament was a Peace Region development opportunity for identification and development of their next crop of elite officials.
• Development Camp (2023): A strong group of 13 males and three females took part in power skating, classroom sessions, leadership training, and other seminars. Camp was coordinated by Watt, with support from L’Heureux, Travis Toomey (NHL), Kevin Muench (WHL), Kevin Acheson (HA/WHL), Justin Slimm (HEAT), and myself. This camp provides an elite development and identification opportunity for officials to achieve their officiating goals. Ben Solomon was selected for the John Jacobs Award (Most Promising Official) and had the opportunity to complete an exchange with Hockey Eastern Ontario (Ottawa) for a weekend.

Hockey Alberta Coaching/Supervision Program: Continued progress in establishing consistent coaching for our provincially-assigned leagues. A few key individuals deserving recognition in this area:

• Kevin Acheson (North Coordinator) and Glenn Agnew (South) and their teams providing feedback primarily focused on the U18AAA.
• Fraser Lawrence (NHP/IIHF Official) and team providing further coaching and feedback for those officials in consideration for OPOE or NHP Seminar.
• Curtis Nichols (AJHL VP Officiating) leveraging his team of officiating coaches across the province to support the development and identification of officials working Tier 2 (Junior A) hockey within the province.
• Darby Readman (Female Program North) coordinating regular coaching opportunities for the female officials within the North Region, establishing a consistent pipeline of quality officials to work elite female hockey.

We have a huge number of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to assist our officials in their development and to create a positive experience for all participants in the game. Next time you come across a mentor or have a supervisor at a game, please take the time to thank them for the time and effort they put in. Our program would not be as strong as it is without those volunteering their time to provide knowledge in supporting officials’ growth.

Hockey Canada

We continue to align our program with Hockey Canada’s updated officiating pathway. I am in regular conversation with Dan Hanoomansingh (Hockey Canada Officiating Manager), Todd Robinson (Hockey Canada Referee in Chief) and Vanessa Stratton (Officiating Coach Hockey Canada/ IIHF) to maintain this alignment as we reestablish Alberta as a leader nationally.

• Master Officiating Developer Cohort 2024: Very excited to have Carmen Sydor representing the Branch in this new initiative from Hockey Canada.

The Officiating Program of Excellence is the pathway through which Canadian officials are selected for top national and international assignments. The objectives are to:

• provide a clear developmental pathway for aspiring elite officials,
• provide developmentally appropriate coaching for elite officials,
• prepare officials for national and international competitions, and
• assist Hockey Canada in making evidence-based decisions for national and international events.

Officials enter the OPOE through regional identification camps, based on nominations from their Member programs.

• OPOE 2024: Congratulations to Jesse Wood-Schatz, Matt Lattimer, Cameron Halter, Kennedy Roblin, Cassidy Brand, Lindsey Ducharme, Jessica Hammer and Emily Hill on their selection to regional camps. Colin Watt was invited as an officiating coach, further confirming the alignment between the HA and HC programs.

The National High Performance Selection Camp is an intensive four-day experience to help selected officials develop the tools needed to succeed at an elite level. Selection by Hockey Canada follows a months-long evaluation process, including input from their respective Member programs and leagues. Upon successful completion of the camp, the officials join the national high-performance program and compete for Junior A and senior national championships, and international assignments.

• NHP 2024: Congratulations to Hayley Butz, Alex Homer, and Mason Stewart on achieving the highest level within Hockey Canada.
• National/International Assignments:
  • IIHF U18 World Championship: Taylor Burzminski
  • USport Female: Hayley Butz
  • Centennial Cup: Mason Stewart, Scott Kramers
  • Junior A World Challenge: Brayden Arcand
  • World Para Championship (Pool B): Kevin Webinger
  • Women’s U18 National Championship: Hayley Butz
  • World U17 Challenge: Alex Homer

Provincial Exchanges

• NEO/HA: Most Promising at Development Camp (Ben Solomon) worked games in Ottawa, while Noah Bouchard from Ottawa came to Calgary for the Circle K Classic Tournament. This well-established relationship will continue for future seasons.
• BC/HA: Spencer Acheson, Lindsey Ducharme, Megan French, and Brandon Peterson traveled to Penticton for the CSSHL U18AAA playoff tournament. This was a new opportunity for our officials this season, and we will look to continue this partnership with Hockey BC, with them likely to send officials to Calgary for the Circle K Classic in future seasons.
• In conversation for future opportunities with New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Quebec for future years.

Thank you to everybody who has contributed to ensure games are played across the province, and that our officials feel supported in their role in the game. The success of our program is within those actively involved year after year, and it is important to recognize that every one of those people has had a hand in the achievements of our officials.

Looking forward

As we look towards next year, I am excited:

• Hockey Alberta Manager of Officiating: Liam MacIsaac has taken over this role as Brett Kelly has moved internally within Hockey Alberta. I want to thank Brett for all his support in the administration and evolution of our program. He has provided a clear path for Liam to continue along for the continued growth of our program.
• Summer School: Stay tuned for more details in the coming months, but this new offering will be two advanced clinic weekends (one in St. Albert, one in Calgary) including sessions related to advanced techniques and theory, power skating, and more.
• Provincial Assigning: We reflect upon the successes and shortcomings of the first year and plan for improvement for next season. Assignors are our front-line workers who are largely in control of the experience and morale of our elite officials across the province. There will be a working committee on this topic in the near future, if interested in participating please reach out to me directly for consideration.
• Supervision Criteria: we all bring different experience and observations to this space. Our provincial supervision coordinators are working on a consistent standard which can be communicated and applied so everybody understands the expectations to attain higher levels of hockey.
• AEHL Video Feedback and Monthly Communication: working within the confines of the AEHL and the HA office to establish a standard of officiating which can be consistent from all areas of the province. Using video will only improve the understanding of expectations and standards for those officials working within the province. The finer details are still being worked out, but this more regular communication will hopefully be a welcome tool for all officials and their development.
• Regional Focused Priorities: To Train, Recruit and Retain officials. Our regions are a well-oiled machine of continued education for all officials from 12yrs old to 70+. Our regions are primarily responsible for day-to-day operations of grassroots officiating programs including clinics, shadows/supervisions, identification and promotion of those deserving, and nomination for provincial development opportunities. Our regional focus on these 3 values will only improve our involvement in the game of hockey more for all levels and those that we work with.

In closing, I want to thank the Regional Committees, the Provincial Officials Committee and every official across the province for serving and being a part of this great game. While your contributions may seem to be unnoticed, those within the hockey community know that often the best referees are those who go about their business without fanfare or recognition.

I look forward to seeing you all at a rink next season.

Golf tournament for James Sharun

Long time officials Todd Pawsey and Marty Tingstad are organizing a golf event and fundraiser for the family of James Sharun, a longtime official who we lost this year. This event is June 2 at Pheasantback Golf Course and is open to all hockey officials. A flyer for the event is included with this message. This is a time to reflect and celebrate all those who have worn the black and white jersey.

GOLF TOURNAMENT FLYER >

EDMONTON – Kyle Rehman wasn’t sure if he would officiate one National Hockey League game, let alone a thousand.

But that’s exactly what the Red Deer native did when he accomplished the feat on March 28 during a contest between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Place. Rehman was recognized by the league, the Oilers, and Kings, receiving a Tiffany crystal from the league, jerseys from both teams as well as a pair of Adirondack chairs that had his name, the NHL logo and ‘1,000 games’ on it.

“I would have never thought to do one (game), let alone a thousand, so it’s a very special milestone for me,” Rehman said. “It comes with a lot of sacrifice, not only for myself, but for my family. It’s been an incredible journey and I’ve got a long way to go.”

Rehman said the best part of the whole evening was having his family at his side and allowing them to get some recognition for everything they’ve done for him.

“I got the chance to have my two boys on the ice with me before the game, which is something I’ll never forget. Then to have my family on the ice with me during the ceremony, it was good to get them some recognition because they’ve sacrificed so much,” Rehman said. “My wife is a rockstar. She’s pretty much a driver for the kids, taking them to all their activities, so for them to get some of that recognition was cool. Then to have my brother and my parents there as well was awesome as well. They jumped on board when I was younger and really supported, pushed, and encouraged me to go as far as I can.”

The 45-year-old referee got his start in 2000 in Red Deer where he got the opportunity to officiate U18 AAA and Senior AAA games. He moved onto the Western Hockey League shortly after and got the call to the NHL in 2007. His first game was January 22, 2008, featuring the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Over the course of his career, Rehman has gotten the chance to officiate some of the biggest events the NHL had to offer - Stanley Cup playoff games, NHL Global Series in Sweden, and the 2020 Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars.

“The whole atmosphere, being outdoors with 85,000 fans, the NHL does a really good job of putting on those types of events,” said Rehman. “Both fanbases were awesome, seeing the Nashville fans travel to Dallas and seeing how much support the city gave to the Stars … it was a great game and I’m proud to say I was part of it.”

Numerous sports, including hockey, look to recruit new officials each year, but there are challenges, especially when it comes to abusive behaviour from coaches, players, and fans. Rehman asks that spectators ease off the young officials.

“We’re losing officials every year. I have two boys that play hockey and I want them to be able to play games and leagues need referees. I think it’s important for people to be at the rink and to appreciate these games and volunteers,” Rehman said. “The younger kids are just learning … guys at the NHL level, we’re the top officials in the world and we sometimes make mistakes, just like the coaches and players because we’re human. Let the emotion of the game be on the ice, because if we continue to trend in the direction we’re going in, we aren’t going to have any officials left.”

For younger people hesitant to enter the game in the officiating capacity, Rehman’s advice is to go out there and do your best and enjoy the process of improving.

“Go out there and work hard every game. As long as you can come off the ice, look yourself in the mirror and say, ‘I left it all out there, I worked hard and I hustled’, it’s a great feeling to know you went out there and did your best,” said Rehman. “You don’t necessarily need to make the NHL either, there are a lot of great opportunities with Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta. I hope our younger generation of officials stick with it and continue to support one another.”

RED DEER – Over 90 officials from coast to coast to coast have been selected to attend Hockey Canada Officiating Program of Excellence (OPOE) camps, including 10 Hockey Alberta officials. 

Sixty-one officials were chosen for regional identification camps, with a further 30 attending the National High Performance Selection Camp. Additionally, the Women’s Officiating Program of Excellence is continuing for its second year. 

Alberta officials selected to attend an OPOE camp are Hayley Butz, Alex Homer, Mason Stewart, Cameron Halter, Matthew Lattimer, Jesse Wood-Schatz, Cassidy Brand, Lindsey Ducharme, Jessica Hammer and Emily Hill.  

CJ Senkow, Chair of Hockey Alberta’s Officials Committee, and Colin Watt, Supervisions Coordinator, are officiating coaches for the Men’s West Regional Camp in Calgary September 26-29. 

Notable amongst Albertans listed are Butz, who worked the National Women’s U18 Championship as well as Homer and Stewart who have worked in the Western Hockey League over the last number of seasons. They are attending the National High Performance Camp in Calgary, February 1-4, after a months-long evaluation process. 

“An invitation for the National High Performance Selection Camp represents years of hard work and dedication to the craft of officiating,” said Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “These officials have worked tirelessly to hone their skills and are now ready to join our top group of officials and compete with the best in the world.” 

Upon successful completion of the camp, the officials will join the national high-performance program and compete for Junior A and senior national championships, as well as international assignments. 

The OPOE is the pathway through which Canadian officials are selected for top national and international assignments. Officials enter the OPOE through regional identification camps, based on nominations from their Member programs. 

“We have a lot of top officials in Alberta,” said Brett Kelly, Manager, Member Development for Hockey Alberta. “All 10 individuals have been involved and continue to be influential in the officiating community within our province and they are very deserving selections to participate in these events.” 

Hockey Alberta officials are participating in the following camps:  

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta official Brayden Arcand was part of the officiating crew selected to work the World Junior A Challenge December 10-17 in Truro, Nova Scotia.

“It was a great experience. It was my first international experience in a while and Hockey Canada did a good job making sure that it was ran professionally,” Arcand said. “The volunteers and the town of Truro were great hosts and the support the tournament had was strong. It was a great overall experience for me.”

Not only was Arcand one of the few officials selected to referee games in the tournament, he was part of the crew that earned the right to officiate the gold medal final between Canada West and Canada East.

“I think any time an official gets asked to be part of a tournament, the end goal is to do the last game,” Arcand said. “Anytime you get selected it’s a really good feeling. It’s a feather in your cap for all the hard work you put in over the course of the tournament as well as the season. There are so many good officials to pick from, it was an honour to get selected.”

This isn’t the first high-level event in which Arcand has taken part. The 32-year-old has called games throughout several AJHL playoffs, an AJHL final and the Centennial Cup. He said the World Junior A Challenge is up there with those accomplishments.

“It’s hard for me to rank them honestly,” he said. “I think getting to officiate in a national championship such as the Centennial Cup is definitely an honour. The World Junior A Challenge has a different flair to it, it’s a little bit shorter and there is a smaller group of teams so there’s much more focus on each game…. I think it’d be hard to rank them because they’re all special in their own way and I’m happy to be part of them.”

Arcand has been an official since he was 13 and has made it part of his full-time occupation over the past 10 years.

“Right now, I’m just taking it day-by-day. You always try and set goals for yourself … and I’ve been very lucky to achieve some of those goals,” he said. “But with where I’m at with my career outside of hockey and my family, I think taking it day-by-day is the best thing for me right now.”      

Numerous sports, including hockey, look to recruit new officials each year, but there are challenges, especially when it comes to abusive behaviour from coaches, players and fans.

“My brother was one of those officials that got abused as a young official and he quit,” Arcand said. “I don’t know why we’re so hard on our young officials …. At the end of the day, we were losing such a high number of officials.”

But Arcand also has a positive message for those who are hesitant to dip their toes into the officiating world.

“For me officiating helped me in a lot of different areas. It’s helped me with my communication, professionalism, and learning to be part of a team … there’s so many aspects that you can translate over to the real world that are very important. It also helped me stay close to the game I love. A lot of officials just love hockey and being part of it in any capacity is a plus. I think officiating is a good way of doing that, being able to balance your work and social life, I’ve gotten to travel all over North American to referee a hockey game so there are a lot of benefits that come with officiating as well.  I always look back and am grateful to becoming an official because it helped me get to a lot of place I otherwise wouldn’t have gotten to as a player.”

EDMONTON -- Edmonton’s Minor Hockey Week has been running for nearly six decades, but organizers say they’ve never had three referees from the same family all take charge of the same game...until now. 

SEE THE FULL STORY FROM CTV EDMONTON >

CHAD HUSEBY RECENTLY RETURNED FROM THE IIHF WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS, AND REFLECTED ON HIS TIME IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC.

Recently I had the opportunity to represent Hockey Alberta, Hockey Canada and the Western Hockey League on the international stage at the 2020 World Junior Hockey Championship in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it is something that I will truly never forget.

My journey started on December 23 as I made the long journey to the Czech Republic. Upon arrival in Ostrava I was introduced to the rest of the officiating team, along with the IIHF officiating coaching staff that was assigned to this event. Twelve referees and 10 linesmen along with four officiating coaches and the IIHF officiating manager is what made up the 11th team of the tournament. This team of 27 was very diverse with officials and coaches coming from eight different countries. It was extremely special to sit in our meetings on Christmas Day as we prepared for what we were facing in the coming days. We all come from different backgrounds and different styles of game play but for the next two weeks we knew we would need to trust each other and work together to serve the game and the tournament as best as we possibly could.

The games and the atmosphere around the games was amazing! They do hockey differently in the Czech Republic, the games have a party atmosphere that is tough to match in North America. That made being on the ice and being in the stands special. The tournament was very well attended and the people in Ostrava love the game of hockey! It was amazing to see how many Canadian fans made the long journey across the pond; it was very cool to be part of a tournament that means so much to Canadians.

I ended up having a very successful tournament and was fortunate enough to work seven games in total. I worked four games during the round robin and then was assigned to work a quarter-final, a semi-final, and then ultimately the bronze medal assignment on the final day of competition.

I feel extremely thankful for this amazing opportunity. Every game we had a detailed supervision from one of the officiating coaches as well as detailed video work that helped us as we moved throughout the tournament. I know that officiating always seems to be a topic of discussion at these events, but after having been to one and having seen the work that the IIHF and the officiating team puts in behind the scenes I can tell you that I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the 11th team at the tournament and I am proud of the work that we did.

I would be remiss not to thank my wife Lindsay for her support, having four young children, it was a huge sacrifice for me to leave for 2 weeks at the busiest time of the year. I also need to thank Hockey Alberta, Brett Kelly, and Curtis Nichols for their continued support. It was awesome to work with the other Alberta official, Fraser Lawrence, in all three of my playoff assignments. I feel like we were able to show the world the level of officiating that this province produces.