Teamwork, learning, repetition, and fun! Sounds like a great hockey practice! And it was a weekend filled with great practice, except it wasn’t a hockey team of players. Instead, it was a group of new, young Officials engaged in an intensive, action packed agenda which will included classroom instructional sessions, on-ice training sessions, interactive hot-stove sessions and a certification exam.

250 young Officials participated in Ontario Minor Hockey’s 2016 Referee School program, presented by Force Sports, held in Trenton, Guelph and Windsor. This was the 22nd year of providing new Officials with the start of their officiating experience.

“The Schools set the foundation for our new officials, providing the students a learning environment in the classroom that encourages participation and active on ice modules which illustrate the fundamentals of the Officiating Program,” said Dave Wedlake, Chair, Referee Program for Ontario Minor Hockey. “We have been delivering the Referee School Program for over 20 years which indicates the high standard and value of this program.”

Each school selected a Most Promising New Official award, named after long-time Referee Program Technical Director, Rick Morphew.

The award recognizes an Official at each school for their participation, engagement, leadership, knowledge and overall performance over the weekend.

This year, the following Officials were recognized:

Trenton School - Isabella Slawnwhite | Stirling, On

Isabella was selected by the School Staff and Supervisors for her excellent work in class, her on-ice efforts and exam results.

Guelph School - Matthew Drury | Ancaster, ON

Matthew led by example in the class and on the ice. He presented himself in a mature and professional manner at all times during the school.

Windsor School – Josh Peddie | Amherstburg, ON

Josh impressed his instructors throughout the weekend with intelligent questions and did very well in the ice sessions as well. His work ethic was on display throughout all three days.

Award winners received a Pro Officiating jersey and pants provided by presenting sponsor, Force Sports.

In addition, the schools also recognized the following award winners:

Kevin Pollock Award (Guelph) - Jackson Cole, Watford, ON; Darrell Ellwood Award (Windsor) - Sylvia Dean, LaSalle, ON; Chris Lachine Memorial Award (Windsor) - Reid Harper, Lambton Shores, ON; Danny Blais Memorial Award (Windsor) - Wyatt Knight, Petrolia, ON

There are currently over 4,500 active Officials registered with Ontario Minor Hockey and this group just had a great start!

Get involved or find more information on Ontario Minor Hockey’s Referee Program.