Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its 2nd Annual Officiating Prospect Development Combine that will take place from June 8-10 at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre in Belleville, Ont.
The OHL received over 200 applications to participate in last year’s inaugural event and selected 72 officials to participate. A total of 10 women, six officials from the United States and four new recruits to officiating were among those selected. A total of 20 participants from last year’s Prospect Development Combine were then selected to attend the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August, and 17 of those officials were given the opportunity to officiate in the OHL for the 2022-23 season.
“I definitely feel like I’ll be going into the upcoming season as a better official.” – Hillary Brennan, OHL referee
“…this was a well-run event and when I chatted with the officials, they seemed to really take value from it. I overheard many comments specifically about the level of professionalism associated with this event.” – Dan Hanoomansingh, Manager of Officiating, Hockey Canada
“…I learned many things I hope to bring into my games in the upcoming years.” – Jason Faist, OHL referee
“I got a lot out of the camp that will assist me in continuing to prgress as an official. I will certainly be encouraging officials to apply for future OHL Combines.” – Brandy Beecroft, official
“The experience was truly invaluable and I feel it was extremely beneficial for more and my officiating career. This was truly a first-class Combine.” – Braydon Munn, official
This year’s Combine will not only continue to identify top officiating prospects in Ontario and the United States, but will also serve to enhance the development of these officials as they progress through different levels of the game.
This event is once again open to current high-level hockey officials as well as individuals that have recently completed their playing careers and are looking for opportunities to remain in the game. No experience is necessary. Individuals that apply must be excellent skaters, in great physical condition, and have a keen interest and desire to officiate at a high level.
The Combine will be a significant opportunity for officials to demonstrate their officiating desires and abilities. Some participants attending this event will have the opportunity to be selected to attend the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August 2023, with the possibility of competing for a spot on the OHL Officiating Team.
With its close-working relationship with the Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Canada and the National Hockey League, the OHL is not only the top development league for players and coaches, but officials aspiring to reach the next level as well.
Interested individuals can register here. Registration will close on Friday, April 14. As there are limited spaces available for this event, applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and those chosen to participate in the Combine will be contacted via email by April 28. Once an individual has been notified that he or she has been selected, additional registration/payment information will be provided.
Investment:
The cost to attend the Combine is $495.00 + HST and will include the following:
- On and off-ice evaluation by Jackie Jarrell, owner of Gold Performance Training and Testing Specialist for the NHL Exposure Combine
- Minimum 6 hours of total ice time
- Minimum 6 hours of high-level classroom sessions
- Meals (lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday)
- Special group rate at the Fairfield Marriott (includes breakfast buffet) at individual’s expense (limited rooms available)
- Exposure to key officiating individuals from various leagues (OHL, NHL, OHF, OHA)
- Participation gift
