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Officials selected for IIHF events

IIHF licences 58 Canadian officials for international competition during 2023-24 season

Dan Hanoomansingh
|
September 14, 2023

Nearly five dozen officials will represent Canada on the international stage this season.

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has licenced 58 Canadian officials — 29 referees and 29 linespersons — for international competition during the 2023-24 season. Specific assignments will be announced by the IIHF throughout the season.

This year’s list is headlined by Olympic officials Michael Campbell (Surrey, BC), Alexandra Clarke (Weyburn, SK), Stéphanie Gagnon (Princeville, QC), Cianna Lieffers (Saskatoon, SK), Elizabeth Mantha (Montréal, QC), Lacey Senuk (St. Albert, AB) and Justine Todd (Alliston, ON). Furthermore, 11 officials will be looking to make their international debuts during the season.

“Hockey Canada is always proud of our officials who represent Canada at the international level,” says Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “The opportunity to participate in international competition is a career highlight for officials. Every Canadian official who is licensed by the IIHF competes for years to earn that opportunity and once they have, there’s someone trying to take their spot. The achievements of these officials are a credit to themselves, as well as their Member programs, who aided in their development.”

As part of the IIHF program for the 2023-24 season, 15 officials — seven referees and eight linespersons — will participate in the IIHF’s From Good to Great program this season. This program is in its inaugural season and is designed for individuals who have been identified by national associations as future top international officials.

“This is a fantastic initiative from the IIHF and we are thrilled for our officials who will participate,” says Hanoomansingh. “It is always an adjustment for officials when they progress from the national to the international level. However, this program will provide an opportunity for our officials to be introduced to the expectations of the international game, so that when they receive their first assignment, they can achieve immediate success.”

Four Canadians will also work as part of the IIHF officiating coaching staff this season: Todd Anderson (Calgary, AB.), Kevin Muench (Moose Jaw, SK), Jacqui Palm (Newmarket, ON) and Vanessa Stratton (Windsor, ON).

The Hockey Canada Officiating Program is for anyone who is interested in officiating, from the grassroots to the international game. Hockey Canada's 13 Members provide a path for anyone to participate in officiating, develop a love for the game and achieve their goals.

For more information about the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, visit HockeyCanada.ca/Officials.

CANADIAN OFFICIALS LICENCED FOR INTERNATIONAL EVENTS FOR 2023-24 SEASON

Referees
Name (Member) Event (Location)
Brayden Arcand (Hockey Alberta) --
Grace Barlow (BC Hockey) --
Jennifer Berezowski (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) --
Adam Bloski (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Mathieu Boudreau (Hockey Québec) Youth Olympic Winter Games (Gangneung, Korea)
Taylor Burzminski (Hockey Alberta) --
Dominic Cadieux (Hockey Quebec) --
Michael Campbell (BC Hockey) --
Marie-Ève Couture (Hockey Quebec) --
Brandy Dewar (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) U18 Women’s World Championship (Zug, Switzerland)
Tanner Doiron (Hockey PEI) U20 Men’s World Championship, Division 1B (Bled, Slovenia)
Béatrice Fortin (Hockey Quebec) Youth Olympic Winter Games (Gangneung, Korea)
Jesse Gour (Hockey Quebec) --
Mike Langin (BC Hockey) --
Cianna Lieffers (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Elizabeth Mantha (Hockey Quebec) U18 Women’s World Championship (Zug, Switzerland)
Amy Martin (Hockey Manitoba) --
Troy Murray (Hockey Saskatchewan) World Junior Championship (Gothenburg, Sweden)
Shauna Neary (Hockey Nova Scotia) --
Mark Pearce (BC Hockey) World Junior Championship (Gothenburg, Sweden)
Lacey Senuk (Hockey Alberta) --
Michelle Stapleton (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Tyson Stewart (Hockey Eastern Ontario) --


Linespersons
Name (Hometown) Event (Location)
Nick Albinati (BC Hockey)  -- 
Maxime Bédard (Hockey Quebec) --
Ali Beres (Ontario Women's Hockey Association)  U18 Women’s World Championship, Division 1B (Jaca, Spain)
Brian Birkhoff (Ontario Hockey Federation) U20 Men’s World Championship, Division 1A (Budapest, Hungary)
Melissa Brunn (BC Hockey)
U18 Women’s World Championship, Division 1A (Egna, Italy)
Jessica Chartrand (Hockey Quebec) --
Alexandra Clarke (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Joanie Duchesneau (Hockey Quebec) --
Jérémy Faucher (Hockey Quebec) World Junior Championship (Gothenburg, Sweden)
Maxime Ferland (Hockey Quebec)  -- 
Stéphanie Gagnon (Hockey Quebec) --
Mitchell Gibbs (BC Hockey)  -- 
Laura Gutauskas (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) --
Chad Huseby (Hockey Alberta) --
Anthony Lapointe (Hockey Quebec) U20 Men’s World Championship, Division 2A (Dumfries, Scotland)
Brett Mackey (BC Hockey) --
Shawn Oliver (Hockey Eastern Ontario) --
Sophie Thomson (Hockey Nova Scotia) --
Justine Todd (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) --
Tarrington Wyonzek (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Erin Zach (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) --

CANADIAN OFFICIALS PARTICIPATING IN THE IIHF FROM GOOD TO GREAT PROGRAM

Name (Member) Role
Gillian Allan (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) Linesperson
Jodi Anderson (Hockey Manitoba) Linesperson
Mathieu Boudreau (Hockey Quebec) Referee
Cynthia Côté (Hockey Manitoba) Referee
Pierre-Olivier Couture (Hockey Nova Scotia) Linesperson
Elizabeth Dornstauder (Hockey Saskatchewan) Referee
Danny Emerson (Ontario Hockey Federation) Referee
Adam Forbes (Hockey Saskatchewan) Referee
Audrey-Anne Girard (Hockey Quebec) Referee
Andre Grougrou (Ontario Hockey Federation) Linesperson
Nathan Howes (BC Hockey) Linesperson
Danika Kroeker (BC Hockey) Linesperson
Amy Laroche (BC Hockey) Linesperson
Josh Miko (Hockey Manitoba) Linesperson
Ty Skene (Hockey Saskatchewan) Referee
Shauna Neary

Officials licensed for IIHF championships in 2024-25

47 Canadian officials set for international competition around the world this season

Dan Hanoomansingh
|
September 03, 2024

Canadian officials are ready to hit the world stage.

Forty-seven officials – 24 referees and 23 linespersons – have been licensed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) for international competition during the 2024-25 season. Specific assignments for these officials will be announced by the IIHF throughout the season.

“We are always proud of our officials who represent Canada at the international level,” said Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “The opportunity to participate in international competition is a career highlight for officials. Every Canadian official who is licensed by the IIHF competes for years to earn that opportunity and once they have, there’s someone trying to take their spot. The achievements of these officials are a credit to themselves, as well as their Member programs, who aided in their development.”

The list is headlined by the officials on the IIHF’s Road to Milano program, as they compete for an assignment to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Canada’s representatives include referees Jenn Berezowski, Michael Campbell, Brandy Dewar, Mike Langin, Élizabeth Mantha, Amy Martin, Michelle McKenna and Shauna Neary, as well as linespersons Jessica Chartrand, Alexandra Clarke, Laura Gutauskas, Justine Todd, Tarrington Wyonzek and Erin Zach.

Additionally, eight officials have received their first license and will look to make their international debuts this season: referees Danny Emerson, Adam Forbes, Audrey-Anne Girard and Ty Skene, and linespersons Pierre-Olivier Couture, Nathan Howes, Amy Laroche and Brennan Walker.

Departing from the IIHF list ahead of the season are officials Brayden Arcand (Hockey Alberta), Chad Huseby (Hockey Alberta), Danika Kroeker (BC Hockey) and Brett Mackey (BC Hockey).

“We congratulate these officials on their successes at the international level,” said Hanoomansingh. “For years, these officials were the standard-bearers for the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, the ones who young officials strived to emulate. To those officials who will continue to officiate in leagues across the country, we thank them for their continued service to officiating in Canada. To those who are stepping off the ice and into the next chapter of their lives, we wish them all the best.”

CANADIAN OFFICIALS LICENCED FOR INTERNATIONAL EVENTS FOR 2024-25 SEASON

Referees
Name (Member) Event (Location)
Grace Barlow (BC Hockey) --
Jennifer Berezowski (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) --
Adam Bloski (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Taylor Burzminski (Hockey Alberta) --
Dominic Cadieux (Hockey Quebec) --
Michael Campbell (BC Hockey) Olympic Qualification, Group D (Bratislava, SVK)
Marie-Ève Couture (Hockey Quebec) --
Brandy Dewar (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) --
Tanner Doiron (Hockey PEI) --
Danny Emerson (Ontario Hockey Federation) --
Adam Forbes (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Béatrice Fortin (Hockey Quebec) --
Audrey-Anne Girard (Hockey Quebec) --
Jesse Gour (Hockey Quebec) --
Mike Langin (BC Hockey) Olympic Qualification, Group E (Riga, LAT)
Cianna Lieffers (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Élizabeth Mantha (Hockey Quebec) --
Amy Martin (Hockey Manitoba) --
Michelle McKenna (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Troy Murray (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Shauna Neary (Hockey Nova Scotia) --
Mark Pearce (BC Hockey) --
Ty Skene (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Tyson Stewart (Hockey Eastern Ontario) --


Linespersons
Name (Hometown) Event (Location)
Nick Albinati (BC Hockey)  --
Maxime Bédard (Hockey Quebec) --
Ali Beres (Ontario Women's Hockey Association)  --
Brian Birkhoff (Ontario Hockey Federation) --
Jessica Chartrand (Hockey Quebec) --
Alexandra Clarke (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Pierre-Olivier Couture (Hockey Quebec) --
Joanie Duchesneau (Hockey Quebec) --
Jérémy Faucher (Hockey Quebec) --
Maxime Ferland (Hockey Quebec)  --
Stéphanie Gagnon (Hockey Quebec) --
Mitchell Gibbs (BC Hockey)  --
Laura Gutauskas (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) --
Nathan Howes (BC Hockey) --
Anthony Lapointe (Hockey Quebec) --
Shawn Oliver (Hockey Eastern Ontario) --
Melissa Pateman (BC Hockey) --
Sophie Thomson (Hockey Nova Scotia) --
Justine Todd (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) --
Brennan Walker (BC Hockey) --
Tarrington Wyonzek (Hockey Saskatchewan) --
Erin Zach (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) --

As part of the IIHF program for the 2024-25 season, 12 officials – six referees and six linespersons – will participate in the IIHF’s From Good to Great program this season. This program is in its inaugural season and is designed for individuals who have been identified by national associations as future top international officials.

“This is a fantastic initiative from the IIHF and we are thrilled for our officials who will participate,” said Hanoomansingh. “It is always an adjustment for officials when they progress from the national to the international level. However, this program will provide an opportunity for our officials to be introduced to the expectations of the international game, so that when they receive their first assignment, they can achieve immediate success.”

Name (Member) Role
Gillian Allan (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) Linesperson
Jodi Anderson (Hockey Manitoba) Linesperson
Tara Benard-Rae (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) Referee
Mathieu Boudreau (Hockey Quebec) Referee
Adam Burnett (Ontario Hockey Federation) Linesperson
Cynthia Côté (Hockey Manitoba) Referee
Elizabeth Dornstauder (Hockey Saskatchewan) Referee
Nick Grenier (Hockey Manitoba) Linesperson
Chad Ingalls (Ontario Hockey Federation) Referee
William Kelly (Hockey Quebec) Referee
Josh Miko (Hockey Manitoba) Linesperson
Luke Pye (Hockey Saskatchewan) Linesperson

Four Canadians will also work as part of the IIHF officiating coaching staff this season: Todd Anderson, Greg Kimmerly, Kevin Muench and Vanessa Stratton.

The Hockey Canada Officiating Program is for anyone who is interested in officiating, from the grassroots to the international game. Hockey Canada's 13 Members provide a path for anyone to participate in officiating, develop a love for the game and achieve their goals. For more information about the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, visit HockeyCanada.ca/Officials.

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Clarke continues to climb the ranks

From small-town Drake to the Olympic Winter Games, Alex Clarke has broken barriers and inspired young officials on what has been a unique hockey journey

Jonathan Yue
|
April 08, 2024

If it wasn’t for a disgruntled cow, Alex Clarke might not have become one of the best and most respected officials in the world.

It was the spring of 2015 and Clarke (then going by her maiden name, Alex Blair) had just been drafted 53rd overall by the Calgary Inferno of the now-defunct Canadian Women’s Hockey League when was she kicked by a cow on her family farm, resulting in a lingering knee injury.

"I wasn't able to properly train throughout the summer. So, the decision was kind of made for me not to go to [Inferno training] camp and try out that fall,” recalls Clarke, who played three seasons with the Weyburn Gold Wings of the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League (SFU18AAAHL) before playing NCAA Division III hockey at the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota.

But when the door on Clarke's playing career closed, another opened.

"I knew I wanted to stay involved in hockey," she recalls. "I had previously thought that maybe coaching was a good avenue for me, but at the time I was 22 years old and my personality just doesn't fit well with standing on a bench and being tied to a team schedule. So, I ended up pursuing officiating instead."

Since then, Clarke has skyrocketed through the officiating ranks. A native of Drake, Saskatchewan (population 197), she has worked in her home province in the SFU18AAAHL and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), nationally at the Esso Cup and internationally at the IIHF Women's World Championship.

In 2021 she became the first woman to officiate in the Western Hockey League (she also was the first woman to work a WHL game as a referee earlier this season) and on Dec. 5, 2021 she became the first woman to work a game in the American Hockey League.

“My love for the game is what inspires me to get out there,” Clarke says about being an official. “It's a place where I get to go and forget about everything else that’s going on. I get to have fun. I get to be with friends.

“Since I've had success, and I've been a little bit more recognized, it means a lot more to me to go out there and know that I'm somebody that people see as a trailblazer as the only female in certain leagues.”

The past few years in particular have been quiet the ride for Clarke, who reached the pinnacle of international hockey when she worked as a linesperson at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, and earlier this year she began calling games in the new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Most recently, she officiated the PWHL 3-on-3 Showcase during the NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto.

“It’s felt natural,” Clarke says of her progression as an official. “Aside from the 2021-22 season where I jumped around lot of leagues at the same time, its very similar to being a player. Being scouted [and] evaluated, and when I was ready to be put into the next level, I was ready and determined to be capable. I’ve had a lot of good experiences and never felt like I was over my head.”

Inspiring the next generation

While her pathway to becoming an official was a certainly unique, Clarke says she wouldn’t have chosen any other scenario.

“[When I was looking into getting into officiating,]Hockey Saskatchewan was really good,” Clarke recalls. “They welcomed me with open arms. After knowing my hockey background, they invited me to a referee camp and when I arrived, they were so welcoming and immediately felt like part of the family.”

As an official, Clarke hopes to show that there are many pathways to being involved in hockey and she hopes to have the opportunity to mentor more young officials.

“Anybody that’s looking to get into officiating, I would say go into it with open eyes and an open perspective,” Clarke says. “I went in for the love of the game and the desire to improve and take feedback, and it’s probably going to take you places that you probably didn’t expect.”

With the growth of women’s hockey over the last few years, Clarke has realized the importance of being a role model on the ice, even as an official. Clarke believes the added spotlight on women’s hockey thanks to the PWHL is making a huge difference.

“I have a four-and-a-half-year-old daughter, and she’s really starting to be impressionable,” says Clarke, who also has a young son. “This season, I brought the family with me to the NHL All-Star Game, and to see her reaction and having her talk about Natalie Spooner and Sarah Nurse, she wants to be around hockey. She has so much more interest and investment in it because she’s seeing other women as great examples.

“I think it just resonates with a lot of people and little girls and boys are now able to see women and moms and full-grown adults out on the ice and in the arenas, you just get a sense of equality for everybody to achieve those goals.”



As more and more leagues, such as the AHL, include women officials, Clarke hopes to continue the push for women to take the next step. With her experience at NHL All-Star Weekend, Clarke believes we could be seeing women referees in NHL games soon.

“Getting a female into the NHL, it may be two years away, it may be 10 years away, but if I can help play a role in getting a female there, whether that’s me or somebody I can mentor and develop and inspire to take that next step, I think that’s helping progress female officials as a whole, I’m looking to have an impact on the next generation.”

Aside from that, Clarke’s long-term goal is to be at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan, Italy. But for now, her eyes are set on the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championships in Utica, New York.

“I want to earn a spot to be in the gold medal game,” Clarke says. “We as officials are competing out there and we want to earn that gold medal spot too. Ultimately, I want to have fun and better myself and the people around me.”

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Officials selected for 2024 U SPORTS championships

Hockey Canada names 26 officials for men’s and women’s national championships

Dan Hanoomansingh
|
March 12, 2024

Twenty-six officials – 13 referees and 13 linespersons – have been selected by Hockey Canada for the U SPORTS championship tournaments.

The tournaments will run concurrently from March 14-17, with the men’s University Cup taking place in Toronto and the Women’s Hockey Championship taking place in Saskatoon.

The 2024 championships will feature a veteran crew in stripes, with a wealth of experience at the domestic and international levels. The roster for the men’s tournament is headlined by referee Mark Pearce (North Vancouver, BC) who refereed the gold medal games at the 2022 U Cup and 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. The roster for the women’s championship led by Olympic officials Alexandra Clarke (Drake, SK), Stéphanie Gagnon (Princeville, QC) and Cianna Lieffers (Cudworth, SK).

“Hockey Canada would like to congratulate all the officials on their selection to the USPORTS championships,” said Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “Our university championships provide top-tier amateur competition, in a challenging, single-elimination tournament. These officials are at the top of the amateur game and continued to hone their craft throughout the season to be ready for this event.”

Name Member Role
Men's University Cup (Toronto, ON)
Nick Albinati BC Hockey Linesperson
Nick Arcan Ontario Hockey Federation Linesperson
Birkhoff Birkhoff Ontario Hockey Federation Linesperson
Josh DeYoung Hockey Nova Scotia Referee
Danny Emerson Ontario Hockey Federation Referee
Maxime Ferland Hockey Québec Linesperson
Jesse Gour Hockey Québec Referee
Troy Murray Hockey Saskatchewan Referee
Mark Pearce BC Hockey Referee
Luke Pye Ontario Hockey Federation Linesperson
Women's Hockey Championship (Saskatoon, SK)
Ali Beres OWHA Linesperson
Jennifer Berezowski OWHA Referee
Melissa Brunn BC Hockey Linesperson
Hayley Butz Hockey Alberta Referee
Alexandra Clarke Hockey Saskatchewan Linesperson
Marie-Éve Couture Hockey Québec Referee
Brandy Dewar OWHA Referee
Stéphanie Gagnon Hockey Québec Linesperson
Audrey-Anne Girard Hockey Québec Referee
Laura Gutauskas OWHA Linesperson
Amy Laroche BC Hockey Linesperson
Cianna Lieffers Hockey Saskatchewan Referee
Amy Martin Hockey Manitoba Referee
Shauna Neary Hockey Nova Scotia Referee
Sophie Thomson Hockey Nova Scotia Linesperson
Erin Zach OWHA Linesperson

The officiating coach for the men’s U Cup will Marc Maisonneuve (Gatineau, QC). The officiating coach for the Women’s U SPORTS Championship will be Vanessa Stratton (Windsor, ON).

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Life between the lines

A late starter in hockey, Ali Beres didn’t let that stand in her way of reaching her goals and setting herself up for a successful second act as one of Canada’s top young linespersons

Katie Brickman
|
March 08, 2024

Once Ali Beres sets her sights on a goal, she will most likely accomplish it.

Switching from ringette to hockey to transitioning to officiating after her U SPORTS hockey career and embracing other athletic pursuits, Beres’ determination keeps her chasing new goals.

“I’m lucky to have athletics be a huge part of my life growing up,” says the 27-year-old. “I feel very fortunate to be involved in sports and at the level that I am with the opportunities I’ve had.”

Growing up in Lions Bay, B.C., about 30 minutes from Vancouver, Beres and her sister Maegan played ringette as there were no girls’ hockey programs. When she was 13 years old, she switched to hockey, intending to play at the university level.

Transitioning from ringette to hockey required Beres to learn new skills, including stickhandling and shooting the puck.

“When I switched from playing ringette to hockey, there was a skill and knowledge gap,” she says.

A coach told her that she was behind her peers at that age and probably shouldn’t bother, but her drive led her to participate in skill development camps and shooting 200 pucks in the family garage so she would be able to play.

“I remember that conversation with this coach when I was 14 years old. That moment shaped me and who I am today,” says Beres. “It taught me that if you want something badly and you put in the effort and hard work and you have the determination, you can still achieve your goals. Most importantly, to never give up on something you love.”

That love and passion led her on a successful hockey path, including playing for B.C. at the 2013 National Women’s Under-18 Championship and varsity hockey at Western University in London, Ontario, where she won a U SPORTS national title in 2015, a silver medal at nationals and two Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships.

As Beres finished her university career, she thought about what would come next. She knew she wanted to stay involved in the game and leaned on an aspect of the game she used to participate in – officiating.

“I wasn’t ready to just hang up the skates and call it quits after my U SPORTS career. The rink has been a part of my life since I was three,” she says. “As soon as the final game ended, it was so emotional. I knew after that I was going to have to get a job and that I wasn’t going to be playing anymore. I remembered that I loved officiating growing up.”

Beres decided she wanted to put on a new jersey, play on a new team and see where officiating could take her. After graduating, she got re-certified in Ontario.

“I just kept skating lots of games with so many different people and games as possible and learn as much as I could,” she says. “I saw so many people ahead of me in the program and saw all their accomplishments and telling my mentors that those are the assignments that I’d love to take on.”

Since transitioning to officiating, Beres has had the opportunity to participate in the Hockey Canada Officials Program of Excellence (OPOE), which is a performance pathway for officials to reach their high-level goals.

Since then, she has been a linesperson at some significant events, including the 2014 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship (Division 1B) and the Professional Women’s Hockey League Battle on Bay Street game between Toronto and Montreal earlier this year.

“I’m grateful to have had so many opportunities through officiating,” says Beres. “What I love about officiating is that you’re still part of the game. It’s intense … there’s pressure on your shoulders and you’re still competing as an athlete. It is our job to make sure the game is played fair and safe.”

Beres wouldn’t be able to balance life as a solution engineer with a procurement company, officiating and competing in triathlons without the support system of her family, particularly Maegan.

“We are best friends and we’ve always been competitive,” she said. “We’ve always tried to push each other. Our parents instilled solid values in us. While we were competitive, we also supported each other, and knowing that each other’s successes doesn’t mean the other isn’t successful.”

Like Ali, Maegan had hockey aspirations that she was determined to achieve. She played NCAA hockey for Boston College and with the Toronto Six of the Premier Hockey Federation, and won a silver medal with Canada at the 2017 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

“We’ve always been super close, and she turned into such a big role model for me and being the younger sister, you kind of idolize your big sister,” says Maegan. “When I had a lot of success in my hockey career, she was one of the closest people to me and I always leaned on her for advice and support.”

Being athletically fit is important to stay at high-level hockey pace, but it also helps Ali stay mentally fresh and healthy and able to balance her professional career as well. Outside of officiating, Ali competes in triathlons, a sport she quickly fell in love with.

“The players are giving 100 per cent, so we need to be able to match that and give it our all too. I was a little bored of the gym, so I wanted to push my athletic comfort zone, so I signed up for an Ironman 70.3 (also known as a half-Ironman) and I got really addicted,” Ali says.

As Ali continues to set goals for herself – including officiating at the Olympics, her sister knows her drive is what will get her there.

“Once she has a glimpse of that goal, I just know she will do everything in her power to get there and accomplish it,” says Maegan. “I am very proud of her and what she’s accomplished and seeing her transition from her playing career in hockey into officiating. I’m excited to see where this journey takes her.”

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Officials chosen for high performance camps

91 officials selected to attend Officiating Program of Excellence for 2023-24 season

Dan Hanoomansingh
|
January 29, 2024

Nearly 100 officials from coast to coast to coast have been selected to attend Hockey Canada Officiating Program of Excellence (OPOE) camps.

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.

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

Name

Member

Role

Josh Albinati

BC Hockey

Referee

Gillian Allan

Ontario Women's Hockey Association

Linesperson

Tara Benard-Rae

Ontario Women's Hockey Association

Referee

Ali Beres

Ontario Women's Hockey Association

Linesperson

Brian Birkhoff

Ontario Hockey Federation

Linesperson

Mathieu Boudreau

Hockey Québec

Referee

Hayley Butz

Hockey Alberta

Referee

Cynthia Côté

Hockey Manitoba

Referee

Elizabeth Dornstauder

Hockey Saskatchewan

Referee

Maxime Ferland

Hockey Québec

Linesperson

Audrey-Anne Girard

Hockey Québec

Referee

Nick Grenier

Hockey Manitoba

Linesperson

Alex Homer

Hockey Alberta

Referee

Darby Hucaluk

Ontario Women's Hockey Association

Referee

Chad Ingalls

Ontario Hockey Federation

Referee

Ryan Jenken

Ontario Hockey Federation

Referee

Yannick Jobin-Manseau

Hockey Québec

Referee

Brendan Kane

Ontario Hockey Federation

Referee

William Kelly

Hockey Québec

Referee

Anthony Lapointe

Hockey Québec

Linesperson

Amy Laroche

BC Hockey

Linesperson

Jarrod Lucoe

BC Hockey

Referee

Bob Millette

Hockey Saskatchewan

Referee

Harrison O'Pray

Hockey New Brunswick

Referee

Luke Pye

Ontario Hockey Federation

Linesperson

Wyatt Rapsky

Hockey Manitoba

Referee

Jack Robinson

Hockey PEI

Referee

Ty Skene

Hockey Saskatchewan

Referee

Mason Stewart

Hockey Alberta

Referee

Brennan Walker

BC Hockey

Linesperson

The staff for the National High Performance Camp include Hanoomansingh, Dr. David Hancock, Megan Howes, Steve Lidstone, Pat Malloy, Kevin Muench, Todd Robinson and Vanessa Stratton.


Women’s Atlantic Regional Camp (Halifax, NS – Sept. 14-17)

Name

Member

Role

Brianna Bolivar

Hockey Nova Scotia

Referee

Bailey Carr

Hockey PEI

Linesperson

Lauren Clark

Hockey Nova Scotia

Linesperson

Rachel Hopkins

Hockey NL

Referee

Shannon Ivey

Hockey NL

Referee

Jenna Leighton

Hockey Nova Scotia

Referee

Blaire MacKinnon

Hockey Nova Scotia

Linesperson

Alexis Ouellet

Hockey PEI

Referee

Leah Rideout

Hockey NL

Linesperson

Mykaela Sherry

Hockey Nova Scotia

Linesperson

Jennifer Stewart

Hockey PEI

Referee

Megan Sullivan

Hockey New Brunswick

Linesperson

The officiating coaches are Gabrielle Ariano-Lortie, Meghan MacTavish and Shauna Neary.


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

Name

Member

Role

Ethan Crawford

BC Hockey

Linesperson

Kaden Fiacco

Hockey Saskatchewan

Linesperson

Michel Fournier

Hockey Manitoba

Linesperson

Cameron Fynney

Ontario Hockey Federation

Referee

Josh Grimm

Hockey Saskatchewan

Referee

Cameron Halter

Hockey Alberta

Linesperson

Brandon Koop

BC Hockey

Referee

Matthew Lattimer

Hockey Alberta

Linesperson

Carson McDonald

Hockey Manitoba

Referee

Carter McKnight

Ontario Hockey Federation

Linesperson

Shane Steenhoek

Ontario Hockey Federation

Referee

Jesse Wood-Schatz

Hockey Alberta

Referee

The officiating coaches are Hanoomansingh, CJ Senkow and Colin Watt.


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

Name

Member

Role

Alex Allain

Hockey New Brunswick

Linesperson

Maxime Carré

Hockey Québec

Linesperson

Simon Cholette

Hockey Québec

Referee

Antoine Dénommé

Hockey Québec

Referee

Justin Deveau

Hockey Nova Scotia

Referee

Nicolas Gaudet

Hockey New Brunswick

Referee

William Kelly

Hockey Québec

Referee

Joey Kramar

Hockey Eastern Ontario

Linesperson

Julien Lapointe

Hockey Québec

Referee

Olivier Lapointe

Hockey Québec

Linesperson

Cole Sellers

Hockey Nova Scotia

Linesperson

Kalib Snow

Hockey PEI

Referee

The officiating coaches are François Fortin, Marc Maisonneuve, Peter Moraitis and Kirk Wood.


Women’s Central Regional Camp (Montréal, QC – Nov. 11-13)

Name

Member

Role

Laurie-Anne Éthier

Hockey Québec

Linesperson

Catherine Fournier

Hockey Québec

Referee

Bailey Kennedy

Ontario Women's Hockey Association

Referee

Daphnée Lemay

Hockey Québec

Referee

Raphaëlle Locas

Hockey Québec

Referee

Michelle Ngan

Hockey Québec

Linesperson

Francesca Pedulla

Ontario Women's Hockey Association

Linesperson

Abiguèle Perreault

Ontario Women's Hockey Association

Referee

Hailey Perreault

Ontario Women's Hockey Association

Linesperson

Shadei Saadé

Hockey Québec

Referee

Marlowe Schott

Ontario Women's Hockey Association

Linesperson

Evelyn Wilson

Ontario Women's Hockey Association

Linesperson

The officiating coaches are Ariano-Lortie, Stéphanie Campbell and Theresa Llorente.


Women’s West Regional Camp (Regina, SK – Dec. 7-10)

Name

Member

Role

Karissa Alford

Hockey Saskatchewan

Referee

Emma Benoit

Hockey Saskatchewan

Referee

Cassidy Brand

Hockey Alberta

Linesperson

Hailey Cromie

Hockey Manitoba

Linesperson

Julianne Desjardins

BC Hockey

Referee

Lindsey Ducharme

Hockey Alberta

Linesperson

Dana Edamura

BC Hockey

Referee

Jessica Hammer

Hockey Alberta

Linesperson

Emily Hill

Hockey Alberta

Referee

Annika Kohlman

Hockey Saskatchewan

Referee

Taylor Pearson

BC Hockey

Linesperson

Kassandra Speicher-Cook

BC Hockey

Linesperson

Katie Watson

Hockey Saskatchewan

Referee

The officiating coaches are Stratton and Ashley Desjardins.

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Officials set for summer camp

Six officials selected for Officiating Program of Excellence Women’s Summer Camp

Dan Hanoomansingh
|
August 02, 2023

Hockey Canada has selected six officials to participate in the Officiating Program of Excellence (OPOE) Women’s Summer Camp in St. Catharines, ON, presented by Hockey is Hers and the Hockey Canada Foundation. Officials will participate in on-ice practices, off-ice development and fitness testing, and officiate games as part of Canada's National Women’s Under-18 Team selection camp.

All six officials featured in U18 national championships during the 2022-23 season, highlighted by referees Darby Hucaluk and Alex Foreman, who were selected for the gold and bronze medal games, respectively, at the 2023 Esso Cup.

“We are excited to welcome this group to St. Catharines next month,” said Dan Hanoomansingh (Vancouver, BC), manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “These officials have been monitored through the OPOE over the last year, attending regional development camps and earning selections to national championships. The summer camp is a fantastic opportunity to prepare officials for top-level success at those U18 national championships and beyond.”

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.

“We are very grateful for the support of the Hockey Canada Foundation in supporting and development of our women officials,” said Hanoomansingh. “It is crucial that we continue to support our officials throughout the year, with both in-person and virtual mentorship opportunities. Our volunteers are second-to-none, but the Hockey Canada Foundation makes this possible.”

Women's Summer Camp (St. Catharines, ON)
Name (Hometown) Member Role
Hazel Barthel (Vancouver, BC) BC Hockey Linesperson
Alyssa Best (Fredericton, NB) Hockey New Brunswick Referee
Alex Foreman (Moose Jaw, SK) Hockey Saskatchewan Referee
Darby Hucaluk (Whitby, ON) OWHA Referee
Megan Long (Morinville, AB) Hockey Alberta Linesperson
Kennedy Roblin (Edmonton, AB) Hockey Alberta Linesperson

The officiating coaches for the Women’s Summer Camp are Hanoomansingh, Heather Richardson (Toronto, ON), and Vanessa Stratton (Windsor, ON).

For more information about the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, visit HockeyCanada.ca/Officials.

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Celebrating scholars in stripes

Six Canadian officials receive Kenneth R. Stiles Memorial Scholarships

Dan Hanoomansingh
|
July 07, 2023

Hockey Canada is pleased to announce the recipients of the Kenneth R. Stiles Memorial Scholarships for the 2022-23 season. These scholarships are awarded annually to officials in the Hockey Canada Officiating Program of Excellence (OPOE) and help to offset the cost of post-secondary education, as officials pursue their academic and officiating goals. Hockey Canada congratulates these officials for exemplifying the principles of the OPOE through their continued success both on and off the ice.

“It is always a pleasure to be able to award the Kenneth R. Stiles Memorial Scholarships,” says Dan Hanoomansingh, Hockey Canada’s manager of officiating. “A goal of the officiating program is to facilitate excellence both on and off the ice, and the Seaman Hotchkiss Foundation helps us do that. These individuals commit a tremendous amount of time to officiating, not just at the rink, but also in their training and preparation, and to see them do that while maintaining their academic progress is a true accomplishment.”

This year’s recipients are six officials from across the country, at various stages of the OPOE, representing four Member programs:

Adam Culbert — St. Mary’s University — Hockey Nova Scotia

Adam began his officiating career in 2016 with the South Shore Minor Hockey Association and has progressed through the Hockey Canada Officiating Pathway over the last eight years. He currently officiates in the Maritime Hockey League and Atlantic University Sport. Adam was selected to officiate the 2022 National Men’s U18 Club Championship in Okotoks, AB, and officiated pre-tournament games ahead of the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, while maintaining top marks in the bachelor of commerce program at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.

Marc Guitard — University of Saskatchewan — Hockey Saskatchewan

Marc took his first steps in officiating in 2015 with the Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association and obtained his Member high-performance certification with Hockey Saskatchewan in 2022. He currently officiates in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and Canada West, balancing his hockey commitments with the rigorous course load at the University of Saskatchewan, where he is working towards his bachelor of engineering degree. Recently, Marc attended Hockey Canada’s West Regional Camp in Chilliwack, BC, and was selected for the Canada Winter Games in Charlottetown, PE, officiating a semifinal in his first national tournament.

Michelle Ngan — McGill University — Hockey Quebec

Michelle began her officiating career in 2018 and joined Hockey Quebec’s provincial Program of Excellence, earning her Level 3 certification in 2022. She currently officiates in the LHEQ U18 AAA division and RSEQ college leagues, earning a selection for the finals of the Division 2 playoffs. A multi-sport athlete in her youth, Michelle impressed in stripes this season, while also playing for the McGill Martlets and maintaining excellent marks in pursuit of a bachelor of science in nursing.

Shadei Saadé — Collège Ahuntsic — Hockey Quebec

Shadei’s officiating career began in 2018, after a decade-long love affair with hockey. The child of immigrant parents from Lebanon, she started playing hockey in her hometown of Laval, QC, but found a new love for the sport in her role as an official. Currently, she officiates in the LHEQ U18 AAA division, as well as RSEQ college and university leagues. The 2022-23 season was a banner year for Shadei. Provincially, she began the season earning her Level 3 certification and finished with assignments to the RSEQ Division 2 semifinals and university playoffs. Nationally, Shadei attended the Hockey Canada OPOE Central Regional Camp in Montreal and earned a selection to the Canada Winter Games in Charlottetown, PE. Academically, Shadei continued her studies at Collège Ahuntsic in policing, maintaining strong marks across the board.

Kaitlyn Sauser — University of Saskatchewan — Hockey Saskatchewan

Since embarking on her officiating career in 2015, Kaitlyn has taken the officiating program by storm. This season, she was recognized as the top official in the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League, while also officiating the Prairie Junior Hockey League and in Canada West. Kaitlyn has also made a name for herself on the national level in the last year. She attended Hockey Canada’s national summer OPOE camp in Calgary, earned semifinal assignments in back-to-back Esso Cups in Okotoks, AB and Prince Albert, SK, and was selected for the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Charlottetown, PE. Not only does Kaitlyn possess an impressive officiating background, but she also graduated with great distinction with a bachelor of science in agribusiness. Furthermore, her academic journey will continue as she pursues a master of science degree in agricultural economics starting in the fall.

Franco Veneziano — Confederation College — Hockey Northwestern Ontario

Franco first donned the stripes at the age of 13 and fell in love with officiating, even as he continued his playing career. This season, he officiated every level of hockey in northwestern Ontario, while playing Junior B for the Schreiber Falcons and continuing his education towards a diploma in business at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, ON. Franco began the 2022-23 season attending the Hockey Canada OPOE Central Regional Camp in St. Marys, ON, represented Hockey Northwestern Ontario at the Ontario Winter Games and finished the season with a selection to the finals of the Superior International Junior Hockey League.

The Kenneth R. Stiles Memorial Scholarship was established by the Seaman Hotchkiss Hockey Foundation (formerly Project 75) and Hockey Canada in 2006 in recognition of Ken Stiles, a former president of Project 75, and his tremendous contributions to grassroots hockey in Canada. Stiles was a catalyst in planning and designing an initiative aimed at players and officials who demonstrate excellence in sport and commitment to education.

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, officiating achievement and community involvement. Since 2006, the program has awarded more than $309,000 to officials across the country. Since the mid-1980s, the Seaman Hotchkiss Hockey Foundation—an oil and gas legacy from the original Flames ownership group—has donated over $7.15 million to minor hockey development initiatives in Canada, as well as other charities in Alberta.

For more information on the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, visit HockeyCanada.ca or contact your Member.

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Officials selected for spring national championships

Forty-four officials – 22 referees and 22 linespersons – from across the country have been selected by Hockey Canada for the Esso Cup, Men’s U18 National Club Championship and Centennial Cup.

Nicholas Pescod
|
April 17, 2023

As another season comes to an end, officials are gearing up for Hockey Canada’s spring national championships.

Forty-four officials – 22 referees and 22 linespersons – from across the country have been selected by Hockey Canada for the Esso Cup, Men’s U18 National Club Championship and Centennial Cup.

Officials selected for Esso Cup

The officials chosen for the 2023 Esso Cup in Prince Albert, Sask., are part of the Women’s Officiating Program of Excellence, presented by the Hockey Canada Foundation. As part of this program, they have attended development camps, received ongoing mentorship in their Member programs and been evaluated by national officiating coaches prior to a final selection by Hockey Canada.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for these officials to finish the season with a championship event,” says Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “These officials have shown well at our development events and we are excited to continue working with them at this championship. As always, we are incredibly grateful to the Hockey Canada Foundation for supporting this program and the development of women and girls in officiating through Hockey Is Hers.”

2023 Esso Cup (Prince Albert, Sask.)
Name (Hometown) Member Role
Jennifer Busby (Aberdeen, Sask.) Hockey Saskatchewan Linesperson
Jessica Coleman (Brantford, Ont.) Hockey Saskatchewan Referee
Elizabeth Dornstauder (Regina, Sask.) Hockey Saskatchewan Referee
Emme Dragon (Burnaby, B.C.) BC Hockey Referee
Camille Forbes (Winnipeg, Man.) Hockey Manitoba Referee
Alex Foreman (Moose Jaw, Sask.) Hockey Saskatchewan
Referee
Darby Hacaluk (Whitby, Ont.) Ontario Women's Hockey Association
Referee
Megan Long (Morinville, Alta.) Hockey Saskatchewan
Linesperson
Justine Mageau (Trois-Rivières, Que.)
Hockey Québec
Referee
Dakota Peterson (Battleford, Sask.) Hockey Saskatchewan
Linesperson
Kaitlyn Sauser (Churchbridge, Sask.)
Hockey Saskatchewan Linesperson
Mykaela Sherry (Truro, N.S.) Hockey Nova Scotia Linesperson
Renée St. Louis (Windsor, Ont.)
Ontario Women's Hockey Association
Referee
Ally Wareham (Steinbach, Man.) Hockey Manitoba Linesperson

The officiating coaches for the Esso Cup are Hanoomansingh, Theresa Llorente (Edmonton, Alta.) and Kim Sobkowicz (Outlook, Sask.).

Officials selected for Men's U18 National Club Championship

The officials chosen for the 2023 Men’s U18 National Club Championship in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., are part of Hockey Quebec’s program of excellence. They have undergone a lengthy identification and evaluation process by Hockey Quebec during the 2022-23 season, with several attending previous Hockey Canada Officiating Program of Excellence camps and national events.

“The U18 club nationals is an exciting opportunity for the officials of the host Member program,” says Hanoomansingh. “These officials have collaborated and competed all year in their home league, forming a cohesive unit, and earned their selection to the national championship.”

2023 Men's U18 National Club Championship (Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.)
Name (Hometown) Member Role
Samuel Bélanger (Montréal, Que.) Hockey Québec
Linesperson
Vincent Bigras (Ste-Eustache, Que.) Hockey Québec
Referee
Mathieu Boudreau (Gatineau, Que.) Hockey Québec Referee
Maxime Carré (Trois-Rivières, Que.) Hockey Québec Linesperson
Samuel Charette (St-Jérôme, Que.) Hockey Québec Referee
Émile Charron (Gatineau, Que.) Hockey Québec
Referee
Simon Cholette (Lochaber, Que.) Hockey Québec
Referee
Antoine Denommé (Val-d'Or, Que.) Hockey Québec
Linesperson
Maxime Ferland (Ste-Catherine, Que.)
Hockey Québec
Linesperson
Yannick Jobin-Manseau (Mascouche, Que.) Hockey Québec
Referee
William Kelly (Val-d'Or, Que.)
Hockey Québec Linesperson
Anthony Lapointe (Verdun, Que.) Hockey Québec Linesperson
Samuel Paré (Repentigny, Que.)
Hockey Québec
Linesperson
Pierre-Olivier Schoeb (Mascouche, Que.) Hockey Québec Linesperson

The officiating coaches for the Men’s U18 Club Championship are Serge Carpentier and Doug Hayward.

Officials selected for Centennial Cup

The officials who will officiate the 2023 Centennial Cup in Portage la Prairie, Man., are the top officials in their Junior A leagues from across the country. The referees are drawn from Hockey Canada’s National High Performance Program, while the linespersons are drawn from both the National High Performance Program and their Member high performance programs. Officials were coached and evaluated throughout the season across the Canadian Junior Hockey League, prior to their final selection.

“We have high expectations for our elite officials in every game,” says Hanoomansingh. “Even with the expanded, 10-team tournament, the selections for this tournament were extremely competitive. This is an outstanding group of officials and we are looking forward to seeing them hit the ice in Portage la Prairie.”

2023 Centennial Cup (Portage la Prairie, Man.)
Name (Hometown) Member Role
Taylor Burzminski (St. Albert, Alta.) Hockey Alberta
Referee
Dominic Cadieux (St-Constant, Que.) Hockey Québec
Referee
Ben Croker (Brandon, Man.) Hockey Manitoba Referee
Tanner Doiron (Bedeque, P.E.I.) Hockey PEI Referee
Jérémy Faucher (Cowansville, Que.) Hockey Québec Linesperson
Adam Forbes (Saskatoon, Sask.) Hockey Saskatchewan
Referee
David Gilfoy (Antigonish, N.S.) Hockey Alberta
Linesperson
Nick Grenier (Ile-des-Chênes, Man.) Hockey Manitoba
Linesperson
Tyler Jensen (Drumheller, Alta.) Hockey Alberta
Referee
Anthony Lapointe (Verdun, Que.)
Hockey Québec Linesperson
Garrett Merill (Bedford, N.S.) Hockey Eastern Ontario Linesperson
Devon Newhouse (Barrie, Ont.)
Ontario Hockey Federation Linesperson
Shawn Oliver (Ottawa, Ont.) Hockey Eastern Ontario Linesperson
Mike Ricia (Whitby, Ont.) Ontario Hockey Federation Referee
Bryce Sebastian (Melville, Sask.) Hockey Saskatchewan Referee
Brent Vandermuelen (Regina, Sask.) Hockey Saskatchewan Linesperson
The officiating coaches for the Centennial Cup are François Fortin (Chibougamau, Que.) and Danny McCourt (Sudbury, Ont.)
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Jenn Berezowski officiating during the 2023 U18 Women's World Championship gold medal game.

Berezowski’s officiating dream comes true with newborn by her side

Three months after giving birth to her second daughter, Jenn Berezowski was back on the ice refereeing at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship

Jonathan Yue
|
March 18, 2023

Jenn Berezowski always wanted the opportunity to officiate at a top-level IIHF tournament.

With 15 years of experience as an on-ice official, working in numerous leagues and tournaments around Canada, Berezowski finally got the chance when she was chosen as a referee for the 2023 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in Sweden.

There was just one small dilemma. Berezowski had recently given birth to her second daughter, Hannah.

“When I got the phone call in October 2022 to do the U18 Women’s Worlds in January, I was about a month postpartum with my second daughter,” Berezowski recalls. “It was going to be tight with the timing, but I couldn’t say no.”

So, a month after Hannah was born, Berezowski resumed officiating games.

“I was back on the ice again and with my daughter attached to my hip,” she says.

When it came time to leave for Sweden, Berezowski, along with her mother and baby Hannah, made the trip from their home in Trenton, Ont., across the Atlantic. Meanwhile, her husband and their eldest daughter, three-year-old Scarlett, remained at home and watched as Berezowski refereed three games, including the gold medal game that saw Canada beat Sweden 10-0 to defend its world title.

Whether it was at home or on the road, Berezowski credits friends, family and colleagues for supporting her and Hannah.

“Everyone has taken turns coming to the arena with me so that I can be away from home and continue to ref but also have her with me there so I can feed her and keep her healthy,” Berezowski says. “My colleagues have been extremely supportive, no one has blinked an eye about me feeding my baby in between periods or having a babysitter hanging around. In doing that, they are helping normalize this path locally, nationally and internationally.”

Since the U18 worlds in Sweden, Berezowski has returned to officiating various leagues across Ontario with her daughter by her side. This week, she is part of the crew working the U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship in Montreal.

With the added logistics of travelling with her baby, on top of being a mother of two and a referee, Berezowski is also a chartered professional accountant. She admits that the spring season is one of her busiest times of the year, with provincial championships and playoffs happening at the same time as the Canadian tax season.

“It’s all about the support I receive from everyone, including my bosses who have been very generous with allowing me to have flexible hours,” Berezowski says. “During the spring, tax season and championships come to a peak, so it’s all about giving some and taking some and being one of the hardest workers out there.”

Normalizing newborns at the rink

Since donning the stripes when she was 16 years old, Berezowski says she has only once seen a mom with her newborn at the rink. However, she is optimistic that over time, it will be commonplace.

“We used to have to choose one of the two. I would’ve had to choose between continuing to do this or is it time to have a family,” Berezowski adds. “Now, people have opened their minds to the possibilities and you can do both. I’ve been lucky to be able to pursue everything.”

Berezowski is also in contact with the growing community of women officials. Whether it’s sharing experiences or bouncing thoughts and ideas off each other, the community continues to be very supportive. By sharing her story, Berezowski hopes to serve as a role model for other women, particularly new moms.

“I have a lot of colleagues that are young, and they haven’t started families yet, and through that online group, we’re transparent and showing that we’re in 2023, we can do this stuff if we want to, and I love that I can show that within my province and on the ice,” she says.

At the end of the day, Berezowski is encouraged by the support from the hockey community.

“It’s super rewarding to have a career, be an official on the ice and a mom, too,” she says. “Seeing people like Natalie Spooner and all she’s doing, we’re showing moms what is possible, and that we can do anything that we want to once we set our minds to it.”

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For more information:

Esther Madziya
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 284-6484 

[email protected] 

Spencer Sharkey
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 777-4567

[email protected]

Jeremy Knight
Manager, Corporate Communications
Hockey Canada

(647) 251-9738

[email protected]

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