Getting Hockey Referees Ready for the Big Leagues
The N.H.L.’s method for keeping the league supplied with officials was never systematic. So it started to treat potential referees like potential draft picks.
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