Submitted photo/Becky Head

By Wray Morrison

Huskies join forces with SMHA

Huskie Athletics and Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association partner in official recruitment/retainment initiative

Dec 1, 2022 | 2:02 PM

Huskie Athletics and Saskatoon Minor Hockey have joined forces in a recruitment/retainment strategy for hockey officials in Saskatoon and area. There has been a sizeable increase in the number of on ice officials in the last two seasons. At the end of the 2020-21 season there were approximately 140 SMHA officials. That number has climbed to 290 for the 2022-23 season.

This partnership may enhance growth and stability even more. “This one really struck a chord with us”, said Mike Jenkins, Associate Athletics Officer of Development and Marketing for Huskie Athletics. University of Saskatchewan sports fans at Merlis Belsher Place and the PAC will soon see posters and signage and hear announcements promoting hockey officiating in Saskatoon.

While there has been an increase, Saskatoon Minor Hockey will utilize Huskie Athletics’ platforms to continue recruitment. “The best thing about being an official is the flexibility”, said SMHA Executive Director, Kelly Boes. “It offers the opportunity to set your own schedule and offers the opportunity make real good money.” Officiating has its benefits for everyone including university students. Boes says there is a long history of college age students from outside of Saskatoon getting involved while attending school at the University of Saskatchewan.

The safety and empowerment of officials is key to both Saskatoon Minor Hockey and Huskie Athletics. “We’re extremely protective and supportive of our officials”, said Boes. “We want to make sure they have a good experience and continue officiating for as long as possible.” Jenkins echoed those thoughts. “Acknowledging and providing a safe space for minor hockey officials fits really well with the culture we are trying to create here at Huskie Athletics and at the University of Saskatchewan.”

There is great opportunity for both women and men according to Boes. “Relative to the men’s game, there is a quicker rise for female referees if they really stick with it. It’s exciting to see.” A pair of high profile officials from Saskatoon, Cianna Lieffers and Kaitlyn Sauser, work closely with female referees in the city. “Cianna has worked with the Olympics, the American League, USports and the SJHL”, said Boes. “Kaitlyn is an up and coming official who has attended Hockey Canada clinics. Having those two as role models is really exciting.”

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“That’s one of the areas we want to continue growing is having enough female referees to work all of our female hockey games”, said Boes. “ We’re close, but not quite there. Well keep pushing until we get to that point.”

Those interested in becoming a minor hockey official can visit: https://smha.sk.ca/smha/GettingStartedasanOfficial

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wray.morrison@pattsisonmedia.com

Twitter: @wraymorrison