$400 in Busted Composites goes Viral

This one is a few days old now, but I just gotta put a video of this on a hockey referee website:
(I think the funniest thing is the player to Playfair's left is wetting-his-pants laughing the whole time, even trying to cover up his mouth with his glove)

Bracket Busters and Music

So...I asked my hockey refs in our UO Hockey Referee Camp for some music ideas to put together some highlight videos of our boys in action (guys: thanks for the input -- I am working on them and you will be pleased, but it will take a bit of time = due out Easter Weekend).

I got some interesting input.  Low Rider by War?  Really?

To each their own, I guess. 

Speaking of guessing...who'da thunk that Denver University would lose to Rochester Institute of Technology?  C'mon, boys!  Not only do you make the WCHA look bad, you totally busted up my bracket!!  I picked you guys to win for cripe sakes!

So, in a nod to music (I definitely did not say 'good music') and NCAA hockey, I found this gem floating around out there:
(side note: That first goal by Tony Hrkac, I remember being at the rink for that one, it was against University of New Hampshire, incidentally another team that lost last night that screwed up my NCAA hockey bracket!) -

Found this one in the Vault

You want to know how I know so much about video editing??  I took an elective class when I was going for my Master's Degree in Education on "Editing Digital Video". 

So...I am digging around my "stuff" in the laundry room storage the other day and I unearth this beauty!  Enjoy:

   

  Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io 

 

The Enforcer and Colin Campbell

A really, really good friend of mine asked me what I thought of the enforcer.  This was in response to the previous post, "March Madness".  I personally don't like the enforcer.  The guy just takes up too much space.  I mean...look at the MN Wild...they (are still trying to convince us) that they are fighting for a playoff spot and they have two guys in the lineup like Derek Boogaard  and John Scott ?  What is their combined 6 minutes of playing time going to do?  Little to nothing. 

BTW, I once gave John Scott a penalty when he was playing for Michigan Tech against St. Cloud State...it was for 'Holding the Stick' = hahaha.  Seriously, though, when he played, I told my lines partner that if he ever did anything on the ice (and he never did back then), I was just going to jump on his back!

So, let's get this straight: (1) I approve of fighting in the NHL and I don't want to pander to 'marginal' fans who don't like the 'violence' and want fighting out of the game, and (2) I believe in old school guys who take care of stuff themselves with passion, grit, and, yes, sometimes, knuckles.

Thanks to Justin Bourne, here is are a couple of old school guys taking care of Colin Campbell:

Playground Justice

You really want to know what I think?? (if you don't...well...you probably shouldn't visit my blog then, eh?).  I think those "marginal" fans of hockey who complain about the NHL and make comparisons to the Olympic Games, where there is no fighting or goons, are the type of people who don't really "get" hockey.  And I don't know if I would be willing to bend over backwards to win them over as fans, anyway.

Let's face this fact, please: Hockey is a regional sport that has it's own small niche (unless you are in Canada, where 50% of the public PASSIONATELY follows the game -- you know what the most passionate fan base in the United States is???  NFL Football at 30% = no comparison).

So, the long and the short of it is that I think fighting has its place in the sport.  I love some of the thoughts and sentiments that John Buccigross has had about fighting in the NHL:

"For some, this sanctioned pugilism gives a Wild, Wild West, Darwinism, Green Day mosh pit, uncivilized, circus vibe to the NHL. Well, duh ... that's what some of us like about it. That's the charm and uniqueness of hockey. No sport powered by humans is more dangerous. Sticks, boards, pucks, ice, razor-sharp blades and fists make hockey the most dangerous and unpredictable game. That's what makes for an excellent spectator sport. Hockey is best when it is played by crazy, fast and unpredictable young men trying to prove something."

And Bucci's 'safety' wrap up this way:

"I would still watch NHL games if fighting was "banned," and I certainly understand someone could actually get killed in an NHL fight; but I also get that people have died slipping in their own bathrooms, and they still haven't banned showers."

Here's the "Playground Justice":


And a bit more for good measure:



Watching hockey fights doesn't make a person violent.  I am sure some psychologist out there would disagree, but I don't feel any urge to rip the heads off doves, go punch my neighbor, or drive on the freeway with road rage.  I just like the intensity, the battles, the beauty followed by 'knuckle-dragging' neanderthal-ism of the game.  "It's a Great Day for Hockey".

All Kinds of March Madness

arch is great time of the year (especially when it is 64 degrees out, baby!).  There are all kinds of great hockey -- my backyard has the Minnesota State High School Tournaments, the Minnesota Youth Hockey State Tournaments, the WCHA Final Five...heck...even the Women's Frozen Four is in town at Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota Campus!

It's just a fun time of the year ~~ WARNING...I am going to go back into my memory banks and pleasantly relive some memories from 1995 ~~ WARNING

Dateline - Moorhead, MN 1995, site of the Bantam A State Tournament

Rick Looker, Scott Engman, and myself were selected from MN District 16 to work the Bantam A State Tournament.  We travelled from Bemidji, MN (where we were all residing at the time) to Moorhead.  I remember checking into our hotel room on Thursday, prior to the banquet at the VFW Club, and checking all of the NCAA Hoops scores (just like I am doing now) to see how my bracket was doing.  We had a fun time connecting with the other officiating crews that night -  which included a District 5 crew (Brian Thul - WCHA ref,  IIHF ref, ECHL 5 year ref and Evonne Young (prior to Fix) - WCHA Women's ref, IIHF Olympics), a District 10 crew (Eric Olson - current MHOA President and Greg Anzelc - current editor of Minnesota Hockey Journal), and another crew from District 15 (Brian Mach - NHL Linesman) = WOW!  

I also remember working our early quaterfinal game on Friday and coming back to the hotel to clean up.  I remember watching the WCHA Final Five on T.V. and seeing Jerry Krieger wave off a goal against Minnesota (funny thing is, there quite a few who remember that incident :)  Out of all the fun we had on the ice -- our Dist 16 crew was selected to work the championship game -- I remember the people.  The bonding.  The commaraderie.  The memories.

Why bring up that story?  Because that's what we provide here at Ultimate Officials in our Referee Camps - a chance to relive GREAT MEMORIES over and over and over and over again.

I am so proud of the guys from the UO Camps who are participating in MN Youth State Tournaments this weekend:

Darren Glur and Shane Paskey (Bantam A)
Neil Missling (16U Boys Midget)
Kevin Cassidy and John Busch (Jr. Gold B Midget)
Joe Oberg (Jr. Gold A Midget)
Mike Diebold (19UB Girls)

and one guy working a Youth State Tournament in New Jersey:

Domenic Zecca (16U Tier I Midget)

******************************
More madness =


How about the Madness of no suspenion? 
(Even Grapes is incensed!)



How about this hit?:
(I love the comments from the NHL Network guys = right on)



Take a look at the game link for not only the Wisniewski hit, but I want you check out the play preceeding the game winning goal (OMG!): Chicago at Anaheim Highlights 

(Randy Carlyle, the coach of the Ducks, thought it was a clean hit?!?  And Wisniewski gets an 8 game suspension?!?  What about Matt Cooke?!?)
*******
(next day addition and edit):


OK...I am a teacher and I deal with kids who get in trouble all the time.  I am telling you, IT IS SO EASY TO TELL WHEN SOMEONE IS LYING to get out of trouble.  I am telling you, Wisniewski looks just like a 5th grade boy who got caught trying to steal something.  I love that the NHL Network put together a string of videos to back up any comments made...hilarious (or scary?...how about the cross check to the face?!).  By the way -- I think the term "HEAT SEEKING MISSILE" describes Frattin, too.



Madness...it's all Madness! 
(on a side note -- I think the playoffs this year is going to be better than last year, which was UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE!) 

I Get Tired of Some of this Stuff

Don't we want to get it right?  I mean seriously...don't we?!??

In the age of "tecnology-up-the-wazoo-HD-replay"...why isn't goalie interference a situation you can replay? 

In the age of Joe Mauer hitting a fair ball...why can't we use technology to get it right?

Purity of the game?  Puh-leaze....

I can guarantee you that every official out there wants to get it right.  Let's use the technology.

LOOK FOR THE SUBTLE TAP ON FLEURY'S GLOVE BY ZAJAC = Goaltender Intereference

Heavy Weight Bout

I'm asking you...that has got to hurt when you have bare knuckles against hard plastic (I swear Boogey punches the helmet on purpose to 'pop' it off...):

2010 MN State Tournament Video

Why We Love - 2010 Minnesota High School State Hockey Tournament from TST Media on Vimeo.

Seen the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

This past hockey season has brought me to over 100 games as an evaluator for the hockey referees.  If you were to ask me prior to the season if I would enjoy my time watching the zebras all winter long, I would have said "most definitely."

You can take that level of enjoyment and multiply it 10 X's over...that's how much I love Referee Camp!

I love the game of hockey.  Like the MN Wild slogan says, "it's in my blood." 

I also love teaching/coaching.  I love watching guys grow their potential AND their accomplishments throughout the season.  The success of our Late Season and Early Season Referee Camps have been the best part of it = tons of playoff assignments for our boys in stripes!

So...spending all of this time in the stands allows you the opportunity to see some pretty interesting sights.  Just using the past two weekends, I've gotta relay "the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly".

The Good

Over the past few weeks, I have taken in 10 USA Hockey games, 5 High School games, and 5 MJHL games, 75% of which have all been playoff games.  So, do you know what was so good about all that playoff hockey?  It was refereed with officials who busted their butts all year long...guys who did the 8 am "suck wad" games...guys that did the late shift on a Friday night...guys that busted their butts through 12 weeks of SWAT Team Training...guys who skated until they puked (oh ya...there was a couple..I was almost one of them) on a skating treadmill...because it is all about getting to this special time of the year -- the Push for the Playoffs!...the push for Bigger and Better games!

(the really good part?  there are almost 10 hockey referees from the UO Ref Camps who are going to be working MN Youth State Tournaments and USA Hockey Nationals in the next few more weekends = that's beyond 'the Good'!!!).

The Bad

I actually heard, for the first time in my life, about an official "f-bombing" another official.  Well...I have heard guys get upset (heck I even blew a gasket of epic proportions once) at their partners...but...usually...it is provoked.

THIS WAS AN ALL-OUT UNPROVOKED *EFF*YOU OVER WHO IS DROPPING A COUPLE OF FACE OFFS!

This past season, I have taken part in nearly 200 games at all levels.  I have seen all kinds.  I have seen guys who were clueless.  I have seen guys who needed some direction, but didn't know where to turn.  And, unfortunately, I have seen some lazy, no-good-for-nothing guys simply going through the motions to collect a pay check.  I would place the guy who "effed off" his partner in that category.  That guy needs to join a bowling league rather than ref hockey.  Seriously.

The Ugly

Just check out the video link here: disgrace to the game.  'Nuff said.

A little ice, A Little Perspective, & A Look to the Future

First off, let's mark down these dates: Feb 25 through Feb 28, 2010.


** What a Great, Unbelieveable Weekend of Hockey **

Here's what was going on in my back yard:

1. Minnesota Hockey District Playoffs Conclude (where I worked 2 PeeWee A's and watched on Bantam B)
2. MN High School Boys Playoffs in FULL SWING (I worked a quarterfinal on Tuesday in Brainerd)
3. MN High School Girls State Tournament at the Xcel Energy Center (I rooted for Norm Gaskins from afar)
4. North Dakota Girls and Boys State Tournament at the Ralph (I rooted for Cody Majerus from afar)
5. Final Weekend of Regular Season Play in Minnesota Junior Hockey League (I watched two games in Isanti, MN)
6. Division III Women's and Men's Playoffs - there was a 4 O.T. game in the MIAC = new DIII record (I rooted for Nick Biondich and Adam Shadiow from afar).
7. WCHA Women's First Round Playoffs
8. WCHA Men's Regular Season 2nd to last weekend FULL THROTLE.
9. and there was some kind of Olympic Games being played...WOW!:



Here is what I heard:
1. Most experts underestimated the USA hockey team.
2. Losing is tough when you compete to be a champion.
3. The future looks good.

Underestimating a Paradigm Shift & What You Can Do to Cultivate Excellence

Just going off the top of my head, and using my memory as best as I can, I recall the 'controversy' when USA Hockey started the National Development Team (NDTP) in Ann Arbor, MI.  I remember being at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube for the National Referee's Camp in the summer of 1997 when the offices and lockerrooms for the team were being built.

I remember people complaining about the grass roots part of USA hockey, and wondering, "Why are we spending all of this money on 40-or-so players?!?"  The thought was that we were not helping USA Hockey as a whole by focusing on the elite of the elite players.  I kind of agreed.  Kind of.

Why only kind of?  Because I believe that people with a vision that is clear, high level, and with a STRONG, STRONG focus on excellence can make significant change. (skip to the comments at the end to see how this ties into hockey referees who have benefited from Ultimate Officials).

The 2010 USA Men's Team had 8 members who are NDTP alums. There's a very good chance you'll see more in 2014 in Sochi, Russia, provided NHLers will compete.  I hope.

Is the NDTP the end-all-be-all?  Nope.  How about Shattuck St. Mary's?  There were 5 alums in the Gold Medal game (Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Zach Parise, Ryan Malone, and Jack Johnson).  There is obviously a commitment to excellence at this hockey academy located in Southern MN. 

Do you think there was a Paradigm Shift at the school when they chose to become a school with a HUGE focus on hockey?  For sure.

My conclusion is that if you really want change, you have to be willing to decide, commit, and even do something others think is crazy (skip to the comments at the end to see how this ties into hockey referees who have benefited from Ultimate Officials).


Losing is Tough When You Compete To Be a Champion

Just signing up doesn't ensure anything.  I think you all know that.  I think most understand it involves a commitment, lots of dedication, and always some sacrifice.

There are very, very rare individuals out there who have such a strong commitment to excellence that they are able to do it all on their own (see Lance Armstrong).  My experience is that it needs to be sustained from a group of like-minded peers.  There is always a "Group within the Group"...these are members of team or group who push themselves harder to achieve bigger and better.  They understand that just belogning is not enough.  They also understand that success is based upon competition.  You've got to want it and you've got to be able to work hard for it.  Belonging to a group that will push you along is the key.  Having a person directing the choir, kind of like Brian Burke, is the key, too.  (skip to the comments at the end to see how this ties into hockey referees who have benefited from Ultimate Officials).

The Future Looks Good

USA Hockey is going to continue to grow.  There are great players coming out of Oklahoma, Florida, California, and parts-unknown each year.  In Minnesota, there were 4 players drafted after their senior year  in the 1980's...there were 2 players in the 1990's...and there were 19 such players in the 2000's.

How does this happen?  Certainly not by accident.

There is better coaching, better training, more specialized programs now more than ever.  I like the way the future looks. (skip to the comments at the end to see how this ties into hockey referees who have benefited from Ultimate Officials).

**************************************

Comments from some of the members of the current Ultimate Officials Referee Camp:

"Last night I skated 2 Bantam A dist playoff games. One stripe (2-0 up and down great game) and one line. Today and tomorrow I'm lining the last 2 bantam A games in the district.  Both winners go to regional.

It is an action packed weekend.  When I got home I spent almost an hour checking various hockey scores and the box scores to see who was working what games.  And when you add USA-Canada for the gold medal, it doesn't get any better!!!"

Darren Glur

______________

Lining the Section 6A Semi Final Sartell and Fergus Falls tonight at 7 and then watching the gold medal game tomorrow.

Tyler Harrison

______________

"Great couple of weeks of hockey:

Watching USA-Canada today as work allows.

WCHA playoffs get underway shortly.

Refereed NCHA Women's Quarterfinal this past weekend. UW-Wisconsin beat UW-Stevens Point 5-2 and 2-0.

Linesman for Section 5A final this Friday.

Referee BTA Region final next Sunday.

Linesman for MSHLS Boys Tourney in a week and a half. I start on Thursday.

Possibly heading to Wayne, NJ for the Boys 14U USA Hockey Nationals."

Nick Biondich

______________

"It also has been a great couple of weeks for me, but unless something changes, my season is over at this point. So instead of reflect on the last couple weeks and what Ive done, this is more about what the last couple weeks has meant to me.  It has meant being in good enough physical condition to still bring it big after an overtime and a minigame and another overtime! It has meant being applauded by my peers mentors and supervisor for a great season. It has been times of adrenaline, times of reward, and times of great fun with friends.  The last couple weeks are a taste of great things to come and the precurser to a "bringing it" off-season.

And now today I get to sit in front of my big TV and watch the US play CAN for the Olympic gold in high definition. What a great couples weeks for hockey, for me personally, and for this group. Congrats to everyone on your post season assignments and see you in your off season.  I'm going to skate the Northshore Inline Marathon in September. Team UO anyone? "

Adam Shadiow

______________

"This was a weekend of exciting hockey for me.  I worked the District 6 PB1 championship game that went into two overtimes.  The action was up and down the ice the entire game, and I, at times, felt more like an Olympic hurdler getting out of the way of the puck and players along the boards.  Had to rush to Braemar afterward for the Section 2AA semifinal, and again saw a great game that ended in OT with Jefferson on top of Burnsville.  The fact that I continue to receive assigments this late in the season makes me feel like my hard work and good attitude during the lengthy regular season has paid off.  I see no alternative to BRINGING IT every time I hit the ice!"

 Joe Oberg

 ______________

"This weekend I skated Friday for the PWA semi final elimination game. Saturday I watched Oberg skate 2 overtime periods and Diebold skate the PWA championship game 1. Both both brought it. Next week I have 2 PWB region games on Saturday. "

Mike Trumble

 ______________

"I have had 38 games in the last 14 days (2 SQ, 6 PW, 2 U14, 11 Bantam, 13 JG & 4 HS) – worked every day from 2/14 – 2/28. I prepped my body during the season for this big push and it has paid off.  I’m tired right now, but I still have 4 more playoff games to go this week – and hopefully a few more.  It’s been a great season – exceeded my goals.  Can’t wait for the next one!"

Mike Diebold

 ______________

"Refereed the ND girls state tournament in Grand Forks. Was picked to do the championship game as well which was a blast. It was neat to see it televised. It is always a fun weekend of hockey in Grand Forks. Hopefully I get the opportunity next to work playoffs or the state tournament. Next week is JR Gold in Grand Forks. Going to the MN state tourny the next weekend as a spectator. "

Cody Majerus 

 ______________

"This last couple of weeks have been exciting and fun.I worked the Girls MN HS State tourney for the second year in a row, worked more BTM A & JG games then I've ever in the past, and had more opportunity to work men college.  I'm loving it.

I also enjoyed watching hockey at it's highest level with my newly found perspective on officiating.  Whether it is watching my peers, college, or olympic officials, i'm picking up things I would have never thought of before.  Thank you, J.B., ur timing is perfect!"

Norm Gaskins

____________

"My last few weeks finished with a flurry.  As most of you know by know this is only my 2nd year back reffing, and it's been a really fun ride.  I got my first Junion A game this past week.  Worked some boys peewee B playoffs last weekend and had the girls 12A championship with all the D2 big dogs there watching...I love healthy competition, and seeing you guys bring it just pushes me train and work even harder.  Thank you guys and hopefully I'll get to meet all of you soon."

Eric Arndt

____________

"This season has brought tons of opportunities like possibly doing boys U16 national tourny in PA and also possibly doing USHL prospects tourny in late april early May! Doors have opened for me and I hope they continue to.

Also met a bunch of great guys that pushed and challenged me all season long which was a ton of fun! I love to compete and bring it and plan on doing it all year long into next season..."

Cameron Voss 

_____________

"This year has definitely been a lot better for me, with all the games I've gotten during the regular season and the playoff games I've received to finish out the regular season. I think this is going to be a good "off season" and I know working with you will be a big part of that." 

Aaron Barlow 

______________

 

Ulitmate Officials Referee Camps foster three things:

1. Offer a Paradigm Shift in Officiating Development
2. Push You to Compete Like a Champion
3. Help You Build a Great Future in Hockey Refereeing

See you at the rink!