2024 OHL Officiating Development Combine to be held from June 6-8
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the 3rd Annual Officiating Prospect Development Combine (OPDC) to be held from June 6-8 at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre in Belleville, Ont.
The OHL receives over 200 applications each year to participate in the Annual OPDC and in the past selected approximately 72 officials to participate. 38 participants from last year’s OPDC were selected to then attend an OHL Officiating Training Camp and out of those, 26 participants were given the opportunity to officiate in the OHL during the 2023-24 season.
Testimonials
“As a former player, the combine helped me find a new and profound love for the game.” – Jamie Haines, Official
“The passion and commitment you all put into it was very noticeable. Guest speakers were great, instructors of all levels were great to learn from as well. The use of time was great. We were there to learn and get better and we all did that. The group we had was fantastic and motivating and was nice to be a part of.” – Mike Blackburn, Official
“The OHL Officiating Prospect Development Combine is perfectly tailored to those looking to officiate at the higher levels of hockey. From the power skating, to the classroom sessions, to the on-ice and fitness testing, every session gives officials the tools they need to come out of the weekend a much better official.” – Tristan Forgie, Official
“The combine was an experience I will never forget. All of the staff want to be there to make the officials better. I will be applying annually to learn every year.” – Rico Jones, Official
“If you’re passionate about officiating and want to officiate at the highest level you possibly can, this is the biggest opportunity to reach whatever your goal might be.” – Johnathan Gross, Official
“The game of hockey is evolving at an unbelievable rate. This combine is here to help develop officials to their fullest potential, and I can’t think of a better way for officials to showcase their skills and knowledge first hand.” – Nick Minken, Official
“From the challenging off-ice sessions to learning from the best in the business on the ice, the OHL Officiating Prospect Development Combine provides an opportunity for those involved to gain one of a kind experience, knowledge, and exposure to the next level of hockey.” – Eric Taylor, 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. As in past years, some participants attending this event will have the opportunity to be selected to attend the OHL Officiating Training Camp in August 2024, 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 using this form
Registration will close on Friday, April 5. 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 19. Once an individual has been notified that he or she has been selected, additional registration/payment and accommodation 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 & Testing Specialist for the NHL Exposure Combine.
- Minimum 6 hours of total ice time
- Minimum 6 hours of high level classroom sessions
- Meals (Lunches and Dinner on Friday & Saturday)
- Special group rate at a local hotel (including breakfast buffet) at individual’s expense (limited rooms available)
- Exposure to key officiating individuals from various leagues (OHL, NHL, OHF, OHA)
- Participation gift