For James Kraft, wearing the stripes started out as nothing more than a means to some extra money in high school. In fact, the Mississauga, Ontario native originally approached the Port Credit Hockey Association with the intention of timekeeping. When asked to officiate instead, Kraft took the opportunity. 

“It probably wouldn’t have taken me long to officiate, but you never know – I’m glad I started when I did,” he said of his start back in 2016.  

Kraft steadily progressed through the ranks, beginning with skating house league hockey in the Mississauga Hockey League (MHL). From there, he joined the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s (GTHL) tournament and regular season staff, to skating with the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) and Ontario University Athletics (OUA), and as of the 2024-25 season – Kraft’s ninth season as an official – making the jump to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL). 

Now a referee for professional hockey, Kraft hasn’t forgotten the early challenges.  

“I started officiating at a young age — around 15 or 16 — so stepping into an authority-type position can be challenging to establish yourself as a reputable official and be taken seriously,” Kraft explained. “Games bring new challenges and opportunities to grow, so making mistakes while developing as a new official is important. I was lucky to be able to make those mistakes at the grassroots level, but I still faced those challenges as I climbed through the ranks as a young official.” 

It wasn’t until Kraft’s first season skating at the competitive level with the GTHL that officiating turned into a much bigger chapter – and aspiration.  

“It was my first year in the GTHL, right after high school – that’s when I really fell in love with officiating and started to think about where it could go,” Kraft said, adding the following season was interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “After that, I joined the OHA, learned a lot, and here I am now.”

Interestingly, Kraft’s introduction to hockey would see him defined as a late bloomer to most, first lacing up the skates as a player around the age of 12. Kraft’s passion for the game was inspired by playing road hockey with his neighbours.  

“I tried everything growing up – skateboarding, soccer, BMX – you name it. But when I played road hockey, I really wanted to play the game,” he shared.  

Officiating, however, would ultimately tap into Kraft’s competitive edge.  

“Growing up as a player, I never pushed myself as much as I wish I did,” Kraft explained, adding that alongside the camaraderie and the game itself, the competitive side is what he loves most about the role. “So now, having the opportunity to officiate, I really want to push myself to see where I can be within hockey – it gives me something to consistently work towards and there’s always a new goal to achieve.”  

And there has been no shortage of new achievements. 

In 2023-24, Kraft was selected as a linesperson for the 2024 GTHL Top Prospects Game, followed by the 2024 OHL Cup Final in March.  

“Skating in the OHL Cup Final meant the world – it was a tremendous honour and a privilege to be selected for the tournament itself, not only the final,” Kraft shared, echoing the sentiments for the GTHL Top Prospects Game. “Working the final is obviously the end goal. It’s a recognition of your dedication, commitment, and skill – it validates all your hard work.”  

Looking back to the start of the 2023-24 campaign, Kraft was invited to the 2023 OHL Officiating Training Camp. Following the camp and the opportunity to skate two OHL pre-season games, Kraft did not make the OHL Officiating Team.  

“It was an incredible and rewarding experience, and although not making the staff at the time, I wasn’t discouraged – I kept my chin up,” Kraft said. “I used it as motivation to keep pushing myself and to improve.” 

“I understand that each game, league, and season presents new challenges and learning opportunities and I remain dedicated to the process, knowing that working hard is key to achieving long-term success in officiating,” he continued. “Good things will fall from working hard – that’s the way I see it.”  

Working hard has translated into making the OHL Officiating Team this season, in addition to skating professional hockey in the AHL.  

Alongside the effort, Kraft is quick to acknowledge an endless list of individuals who have helped along the way.  

“I could name a lot,” he said. “If it weren’t for all of the senior officials, supervisors, and friends who truly helped guide my performance on and off the ice, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”  

And a message for those considering officiating? Kraft goes right back to the beginning.  

“The most important thing is to learn and have fun while you’re doing it,” he shared. “Sometimes we get so tied up in the game – it’s really important to remember to work hard, do your best, and have fun.”