Four OHL Officials Participate in 2025 CHL/NHL Development Camp in St-Hyacinthe

The Ontario Hockey League is proud to have four officials participating in the 2025 CHL/NHL Officials’ Development Camp taking place this week in St-Hyacinthe, Quebec.

Now in its 18th year, the event is presented by the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League in partnership with the OHL, the Western Hockey League, and the National Hockey League. It runs from November 6-10 and features eight referees and eight linesmen from across the CHL taking part in on-ice and off-ice sessions led by NHL supervisors.

Representing the OHL this year are referees David Elford and Nick Isaacson, along with linesmen Chris Martenet and Gage Argue. Elford, in his fourth OHL season, joins three first-year officials as part of the League’s development group attending the national seminar.

The camp is designed to expose CHL officials to NHL standards through instruction, observation, and game assignments. Participants take part in classroom meetings, video review, and on-ice sessions with NHL Officiating Managers, including Mark Faucette, Chris Edwards, Marc Joannette, and Al Kimmel.

Throughout the weekend, the officials will work QMJHL games in various Quebec communities. On Thursday, Isaacson and Argue will officiate Moncton vs. Blainville-Boisbriand, while Elford and Martenet will handle Drummondville vs. Victoriaville. The following night, Isaacson and Argue will officiate Saint John vs. Drummondville, with Elford and Martenet assigned to Rouyn-Noranda vs. Shawinigan on Saturday.

Rotating annually between the three CHL member leagues, the seminar serves as both a development and evaluation tool for officials on the path to higher levels of the game. Led by OHL Officiating Director Conrad Hache, QMJHL Officiating Director Richard Trottier, and WHL Officiating Director Kevin Muench, the camp provides a setting for feedback, mentorship, and exposure to NHL supervisors.

“This camp is a great opportunity for our officials to learn directly from NHL supervisors while gaining experience in a different league environment,” said OHL Officiating Director Conrad Hache. “We’re proud of the effort and professionalism these four bring to the OHL and look forward to seeing them continue to develop.”

The CHL/NHL Officials’ Development Camp was established in 2007 to support and enhance the growth of CHL officials in partnership with the NHL. By gathering the top emerging referees and linesmen from across the country in one location, the program promotes collaboration, consistency, and professional advancement throughout the officiating ranks of the CHL.