Nearly 100 officials from coast to coast to coast have been selected to attend Hockey Canada Officiating Program of Excellence (OPOE) camps. Among those selected include seven former and current Greater Toronto Hockey League officials.

FORMER & CURRENT GTHL OFFICIALS

National High Performance Selection Camp (Calgary, AB – Feb. 1-4): 

• Tara Benard-Rae, Referee (MHL/GTHL)
• Brian Birkhoff, Linesperson (GTHL)
• Chad Ingalls, Referee (GTHL Tournament Staff)
• Ryan Jenken, Referee (GTHL)

Men’s West Regional Camp (Calgary, AB – Sept. 26-29): 

• Cameron Fynney, Referee (GTHL)
• Shane Steenhoek, Referee (GTHL)

Men’s East Regional Camp (Sherbrooke, QC – Oct. 26-29): 

• Joey Kramar, Linesperson (GTHL Tournament Staff)

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

“We are excited to provide this opportunity for our top officials to compete at the national level,” says Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “Our regional camps provide officials with an introduction to the national level and prepare them to compete for national assignments at the U18 level.

“We are thrilled to continue the Women’s Officiating Program of Excellence for a second year and are grateful for the support of the Hockey Canada Foundation, as a presenting partner, without whom this would not be possible.”

The OPOE 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.

The 30 officials who will attend the National High Performance Selection Camp will participate in an intensive four-day experience intended to help them develop the tools needed to succeed at an elite level. They were part of a months-long evaluation process, including input from their respective Member programs and leagues, prior to a final selection by Hockey Canada.

“An invitation for the National High Performance Selection Camp represents years of hard work and dedication to the craft of officiating,” says Hanoomansingh. “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.

For the complete lists of officiating selections, visit HockeyCanada.ca here.