The N.H.L. referee Michael Markovic, center, gave feedback after a scrimmage at a combine for aspiring officials in August.
Credit: Benjamin Cleeton for The New York Times
Mitch Theoret, left, and Riley Yerkovich were among the 86 participants at the officials combine.
Credit: Benjamin Cleeton for The New York Times
Combine participants played a tournament of scrimmages in which they took turns officiating.
Credit: Benjamin Cleeton for The New York Times
Drills on the ice included testing speed and form skating backward.
Credit: Benjamin Cleeton for The New York Times
Marc-Olivier Phaneuf stretched outside the locker room.
Credit: Benjamin Cleeton for The New York Times
Participants divided their time between the ice and the nearby gym, where high-performance fitness instructors observed them.
Credit: Benjamin Cleeton for The New York Times
The N.H.L.’s head of officiating said, “Whether you’re a linesman or a referee, you need to be an athlete.”
Credit: Benjamin Cleeton for The New York Times
Part training camp, part clinic, the combine is a job fair for some. Since 2014, the N.H.L. has hired 27 officials who auditioned at the event.
Credit: Benjamin Cleeton for The New York Times
