OHL Officials gather in Kitchener for annual training camp
In preparation for the upcoming 2025-26 season, the Ontario Hockey League held its annual Officiating Training Camp in Kitchener, ON, bringing together the league’s officials for a weekend of preparation, development, and team building.
OHL Officiating Director Conrad Haché welcomed the group by underscoring the importance of “reconnecting, resetting, and starting the season on the right foot.” He reminded officials that wearing the OHL crest is both a privilege and a responsibility, stressing accountability, consistency, and professionalism as the league’s core values.
“When you step on the ice wearing that OHL crest, you represent more than yourself,” said Haché. “You represent the league, the group in this room, the officials that came before you, and the ones that will come after you. Every whistle, every shift, every game – our standard is excellence.”
Pointing to the ever-increasing speed, skill, and strength of today’s players, Haché acknowledged the growing expectations from coaches and general managers, while encouraging officials to raise their own standards continually. “Every game, we want you to be better than you were the day before,” he noted.
Veteran officials, many with Memorial Cup, OHL Championship, and international experience, were encouraged to lead by example, while younger officials were urged to absorb as much as possible throughout camp and preseason.
The weekend blended classroom sessions, on-ice instruction, and fitness testing, which are all designed to sharpen skills and reinforce consistency across the league. Two new officiating managers, Scott Holberg and Doug Horner, were also introduced, adding mentorship and support to the OHL’s officiating program.
During the presentation, special recognition was given to several officials for their recent achievements:
- Mac Nichol and Spencer Knox represented the OHL at the 2024 Memorial Cup in Rimouski.
- Kirsten Walsh and Justine Todd – selected to officiate at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
“Officiating is not easy. It demands judgment, resilience, communication and professionalism,” Haché told the group. “At the end of the day, we’re successful when you’re successful. You just worry about your game, and if it’s a good game, you’re successful.”
With preparations for the season underway, the league confirmed last week that the OHL Board of Governors has approved six playing rule changes, which will take effect this season. For a complete list of rule changes, click here.
OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford closed camp by welcoming back the officials and wishing them the best for the upcoming season. “Welcome back to all of our returning officials… and welcome to our new officials. Best of luck to everybody this season.”
The focus now shifts to the ice, with the OHL preseason opening on August 29 and the regular season officially dropping the puck on September 18.
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