The first time Victoria Wells stepped into a hockey arena, she had to be dragged along.
“My brother, who is six years older than me, played competitive hockey,” said Wells. “So by the time I started walking, I was being dragged to rinks to watch him. When I was seven, it was finally my turn to go from spectator to player with the support of my parents.”
Years after becoming a player, Wells decided it was time to make another change on the ice. Looking to continue her involvement in the game, she turned to coaching. After several years behind the bench, the opportunities began to dry up.
“I coached for several years in Montreal, then I moved to Toronto,” said Wells. “I wanted to continue coaching, but with a lack of connections and the hockey season fast approaching, coaching positions were quickly filled.”
As one door closed, a new opportunity, however, presented itself to Wells.
“One of the organizations I had reached out to, mentioned they were always looking for officials,” Wells said. “And the rest is history!”
Wells dove into officiating, and quickly fell in love with hockey in a whole new way. When asked what she enjoys the most about wearing the stripes, Wells struggled to narrow it down.
“I honestly can’t pick what I enjoy the most,” said Wells. “I love the challenge. I love the camaraderie. I love the thrill of the game – overtime, a game winning goal, a big hit, a blocked shot. I love watching the game from the view of an official. I love it all.”
Wells’ love for the game helped her to quickly make a name for herself, and her dedication earned her opportunities to push the boundaries of women in hockey. She was selected as just the third woman to officiate the OHL Cup, and in September, was chosen to officiate an NHL Prospects Game in Montreal.
“It was one of those moments you never forget,” said Wells, describing her first NHL experience. “Of course I was nervous, but knowing there were people who trusted me to be in that game really helped me shake those nerves. Once the puck dropped, everything behind the glass seemed to vanish — it was just my crew and two teams.”
While Wells recognizes herself as a trailblazer for women in officiating and is grateful for the opportunities she has had to push boundaries, she instead credits those who came before her for opening the door.
“You’re seeing more and more women officiating high levels across all sports. I think it’s great,” Wells said. “There are many women officials – frankly, many women in all walks of life – that have come before me who worked extremely hard to pave a path. Thanks to these women, I am fortunate to have the chance to continue what they started and push the boundaries even further.”
Off the ice, Wells works as a firefighter, and she sees a lot of similarities between her two vocations.
“In both hockey and firefighting, there’s an element of unpredictability,” said Wells. “You can’t predict how an emergency call or a hockey game will go, but what matters most is responding effectively and appropriately. Both can be physical, emotional, and intense, but whether I’m on the truck or on the ice, I’m part of a four-person team and together you get the job done.”
Working not just one, but two demanding jobs, hasn’t been easy for Wells. Shift work off the ice takes away a lot of her evenings and weekends, often in conflict with her ice-time. Working as a firefighter has made it challenging for Wells to plan for important games, tournaments, or events. While it presents challenges, Wells also acknowledges the impact it has had on those closest to her.
“A huge thank you needs to go out to my partner, Alison,” Wells said. “During the hockey season, I am more likely to be found at the station or at the rink than at home. I owe her a lot of date nights when I hang up the skates!”
Reflecting on where her officiating journey has taken her, Wells offers some advice to those just starting.
“To the new officials, welcome!” said Wells. “You’re going to make mistakes, but that’s okay! Learn from them. Ask questions, study the rulebook, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ride.”
“I was told this by an officiating coach, and I think it’s great advice: ‘star in the role you’re in, work for the role you want.’”
Above everything, Wells’ love for the game shines through, and she wants everyone to remember that the passion for hockey is the reason she, and every official, is out on the ice.
“We are out there because we love the sport,” said Wells. “We love going to the rink night after night, weekend after weekend. We choose to be there. We have thick skin, but we are human. Please do not be the reason we walk away from something that we love.”
“Respect needs to be given to everyone on the ice, and that includes the officials.”
