OHL Officiating Prospect Development Combine identifies next wave of talent
The Ontario Hockey League recently concluded its 3rd Annual Officiating Prospect Development Combine (OPDC) at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre in Belleville, Ont.
Over the weekend, 90 officiating prospects participated in the 2024 OHL OPDC, learning from industry professionals in both on and off-ice settings.
“The ultimate aim is to develop a prospect pipeline for the OHL and also to assist in the overall development of officials in Ontario and the United States. We receive over 200 applications each year,” said the OHL’s Director of Officiating, Conrad Haché. “We guarantee each official on the Thursday evening when they arrive that they will be a better official when they leave on Saturday. The level of instruction we offer to them is superior to anything else that they have ever been a part of.”
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.
Since the OPDC held its inaugural camp in 2022, there have been many success stories showcasing the opportunities available to officials who participate in the program.
“Throughout the previous two Camps in 2022 and 2023, we identified 40 officials out of 144 to attend our OHL Officiating Training Camp and 26 of those officials became OHL Officials,” added Haché. “Brian Birkhoff attended our camp in Year 1. We subsequently brought him on our team and he became one of our best Linespersons. He worked the OHL Finals in 2023 and 2024 before being selected to officiate the Memorial Cup in Kamloops in his first OHL season.”
The OHL also focuses on instilling good character and leadership qualities in its officiating prospects from the start. This approach lays the groundwork for a well-rounded officiating group.
“Providing a leadership role in the development of officials in Ontario is a key objective of ours. During the combine several individuals from the OHF and its member partners attended the event to meet officials and develop relationships with them. As a member of the OHF, together we continue to break down barriers and make it easier for individuals to get involved in officiating,” he added.
Wrapping up his 10th season in the League, veteran official Scott Lawson praised the enthusiasm and dedication of OPDC participants, highlighting the strong camaraderie within the League.
“It’s great to see the energy. So many of these prospects here today, they’re so prepared. They’re all engaged, they all want to learn whether we’re in the classroom, on the ice, in the gym. I’m constantly amazed at the quality of people we have that want to come and work in the League,” said Lawson.
Reflecting on his decade in the OHL, Lawson emphasized the strong connections formed among its members.
“The OHL is a tremendous league. I’m incredibly fortunate to have spent ten years here, let alone one. I can’t believe it’s been that long, but my favourite thing is definitely the people. We’ve got some incredible talent on the ice.”
Connor Mallon, concluding his second season as an official, stressed the satisfaction of witnessing the next generation of officiating talent emerge and contributing to their development.
“It’s great to come out and see the future of officiating. At the end of the day, there are great players across the league, and there are also great referees, both newer and more experienced. This is the next generation of up-and-comers, so it’s rewarding to share whatever knowledge I have and hopefully help someone along the way,” said Mallon.
To revisit highlights from the 3rd Annual Officiating Development Camp, click here.
The 2024 #OHL Officiating Prospect Development Combine got underway on Thursday night at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre in Belleville, with 90 officials in attendance! 📸 pic.twitter.com/4jzDJYcVxP
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) June 7, 2024
