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).

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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

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

Tyler Harrison

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"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

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"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

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"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

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"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

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"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

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"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 

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"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

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"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

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"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 

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"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 

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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!