Monday, September 7, 2015 – Submitted by BCHL
With BCHL Opening Night just two days away, it’s not just the players and coaches ramping up their readiness for the 2015-16 season.
BCHL referees and linesmen, led by league officiating directors Derek Adams and Brad Lazarowich, recently completed their preseason training camp in Langley. NHL officiating manager Don Van Massenhoven helped lead the camp, along with current NHL officials and BCHL graduates Lonnie Cameron, Kiel Murchison, Trevor Hansen and Ryan Gibbons. There were 110 officials in attendance, most of whom will see significant time in the BCHL this season.
“Getting officials prepared to work BCHL games is a priority for us every year,” said BCHL director of officiating Derek Adams. “That’s why we have a training camp and bring in world-class officials like Don Van Massenhoven to speak to our guys and sharpen the way they approach their jobs. The fact that over 100 officials attended our camp from all over the province also shows the tremendous commitment they have to getting better every season and every game.”
The BCHL invests significant dollars every year into training and for the last three years, has rewarded the top referee and linesman as judged by Adams and Lazarowich. Again this season, Adams will monitor games all over the league and give immediate feedback to officials, including on the thoroughness of their post-game reports. Lazarowich – heading into his 29th NHL season – will do the same, watching archived games and calling officials from his assignments on the road.
“Officiating is a hot topic each season, no question,” said BCHL executive director Trevor Alto. “The officiating program that Derek and Brad oversee each season is just as important to our league as the development of our players and coaches. We’re confident with Derek and Brad in charge that we’ll continue to see excellence and professionalism from all our officials.”
