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.