Every once in a while, you’re lucky enough to find something in your life that defines you, something that makes up a good part of the fiber of who you are, something that becomes a large part of your identity.
For me, that something has been High School Hockey, specifically being a referee for the last 20 years and the local supervisor of officials for the last 15. As many of you know, I’ve retired from both roles, and as this particular part of my life comes to a close, I hope you’ll allow me to reflect on my experiences and the people that have made me feel so blessed.
It started innocently enough. It was the spring of 1987 and I was coaching my son Randy’s Midget hockey team. We were at practice in an ice rink in Hillsborough NC (really), getting ready for a tournament in the DC area, when one of the players came up to me and asked: “Hey coach, why don’t you referee a scrimmage for us? We need to practice in game conditions.” I thought, why not, let’s see what this is like. So I donned a striped jersey, grabbed my whistle and got the boys lined up.
From the moment I dropped the puck, I was hooked. There was just something about being involved in the game from an official’s perspective that I instantly loved, and knowing that Randy was off to college after the season, I decided then and there to sign up to be an official.
Four years later, while continuing to officiate, my job took me to Milwaukee and I’ve been here, and involved with high school hockey, ever since. Twenty incredible years. And I’ve loved every minute of it.
Most of you may find it hard to understand what makes being an official, especially being a hockey official, so enticing. There is something about putting on a striped sweater and being part of a fast-paced game with accomplished hockey players, and feeling the energy in the building as the game unfolds. There is a real dichotomy of emotions as you skate onto the ice, knowing that you are totally in charge, but at the same time desperately wanting to be invisible. Surprisingly, though, it’s an incredible rush.
Then there are the people. Hockey people are caring, supportive, considerate, incredibly devoted and passionate. I’ve made so many lasting friendships during my years in the sport, it’s impossible to count them all. I’m very grateful for that.
There are many memories that I will always cherish. Right out of the gate, I started doing youth hockey games in the DC area, being yelled at by Washington Capitals players whose sons were on the teams. Talk about pressure. Baptism by fire for sure.
I also was able to referee a few games with Randy early on; its very special being able to share that experience with your son.
Then to Wisconsin where I got to officiate games all over the state. I’ve had a chance to do conference championships, high school tournament series games, a bunch of Sectional Finals and even a State Tournament game. Evidently, I utilized the smoke and mirrors concept to its full advantage.
And in the titular supervisory role, I had a chance to interact with wonderful people in High School administration as well as the WIAA in Stevens Point, a unique perspective few get to enjoy.
I could never, in the confines of this space, acknowledge everyone individually who has made this experience as incredible as it’s been.
But I would like to thank all of the Athletic Directors and your staffs. You are all class acts and working with you was a real pleasure. Special thanks to Phil Puerling, the former Homestead AD, who first hired me as Director of Officials in 1996.
Also thanks to the coaches who gave me the latitude on the ice to be wrong occasionally, but who always treated me with respect and consideration.
Thank you to my fellow officials. Your support and encouragement all these years has meant the world to me. Special thanks to Al Williamson, who gave me my first HS hockey assignment at University School in 1992, and to Tony Stemberger, whose invaluable and irreplaceable friendship and support all these years, through all those games and through all those wonderful road trips, made the whole thing a whole lot more enjoyable.
And, most of all, thank you to the student-athletes, the wonderful young men and women I had a chance to interact with, who are the sole reason we officials get to do what we love.
I hope in some small way that I’ve made a difference, taught a lesson or three, maybe even been a good example, over these years.
I’ve been incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity. Thanks everyone. It’s been a blast.
