A few weeks ago, the latest SWAT (Secret Weapons & Tactics) Newsletter went out to all Ultimate Officials members (even those who take advantage of the [special offer]).
And there was a whole lot of discussion, advice, insider tips, and training for hockey referees. As an educator, I find examples of inspiration/motivation all over the place. I share all of these bits of training in the monthly newsletters, articles, and videos with UO members. There was a lot of talk about the first step towards championship referee success.
I encourage you join our group. It's only $0.99 to join. You may be wondering, "if this is so damn good, why so cheap?" Join and find out. You may be wondering, "if it's so damn good, what's in it for me?" Here's what's in it for you:
Better Wheels, Better Words, Better Vision, and BIGGER BALLS. You get BIGGER games.
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).
"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:
Offer a Paradigm Shift in Officiating Development
Push You to Compete Like a Champion
Help You Build a Great Future in Hockey Refereeing
Go from the Guy on the Left to the Guy on the Right
Have you ever heard the expression, "the officials are the third team on the ice?" Well, it's true and how you work with that team says A LOT about you.
I am going to talk about my own journey as a "young apprentice" into a "jedi knight", and might just change the identities of some to protect the innocent (and guilty).
When I first started out in USA Hockey, I was a high school junior. I reffed for two years in high school to (a) get more ice time and (b) make a few bucks. That was it. I enjoyed the game and kind of did my best. I worked with other high school teammates like myself. There was no striving for referee excellence going on.
When I got to college, for a few years, reffing was the best part-time job anyone could offer. And that's how I viewed it. I worked with a lot of other "greenhorns" (anyone from my generation remember 'Grizzly Adams' and the Uncle Jesse guy on the show always calling Adams a 'Greenhorn' - that's the only way I knew that saying....some outsider who knew little about nothing..haha). Working with Greenhorns didn't push me into any level of excellence either.
TO SUM UP MY FIRST FIVE YEARS OF REFFING = You Don't Know what you Don't Know
You may think you are doing all the right things, going through the right actions, 'behaving' like a referee in the right ways, but you don't know how incompetent you really are. Keep in mind, the majority of the refs out there are average. If you want to be like the norm...well...that's cool...you will be a normal referee.
The next five years of my reffing career had the following circumstances: (1) met Rick Looker, (2) got a serious drive to be the "best referee", (3) went to MHOA camp, (4) worked Bantam A State Tourney, (5) went to Regional Camp, (6) worked MJHL as a ref, USHL as a linesman, (7) went to National and Select Camp, (8) worked USHL as a ref, and (9) worked MSHSL Boy's State Tourney as a linesman, and (10) hired by WCHA.
TO SUM UP THE NEXT FIVE YEARS = Knowing What I Needed to do to Be The Best
So this all meant that I was associating myself with like-minded guys who all wanted to be the best. We pushed each other. We all strove to get the same assignments. We developed some commaraderie, and even some long-lasting relationships.
However...I would still end up working with some...let's just say..."doozies".
That's going to be the reality. For example, when I was first doing lines in high school, I was travelling to such exotic locations as Indus, MN (natural ice under a shell, open to the elements), Park Rapids, MN (they actually stored potatoes in the arena during the summer) and Bagley, MN (outdoors, you wear a ski mask, amongst the pines), and I did games for other guys who...were...doozies. I had two things to do in those games: (1) keep my high expectations up there and (2) take care of the team.
That means -- you don't get angry with them when they foul up (which they'll do more frequently than you'd like), you never question their advice (keep your mouth shut and work hard), and realize that they have been around awhile and will talk about you. Hopefully all that talk about you is good.
The past 11 years of my officiating has brought about lots of things (I am starting year 22 of reffing), and I continue to work with some of the guys I associated myself with in the beginning of my push for excellence. I also work with some doozies. And I want to note they are all great guys. Hockey people are the best, and that goes particularly for hockey officials.
To SUM UP THE YEARS 11 until I AM 60 YEARS OLD AND STILL REFFING (see Chris Chelios:):
I Push for Excellence Everytime. I Love the Game. I take Pride in Professionalism. And I am looking for more guys who want that push towards excellence...you know...the guys who "don't know what they don't know"?
"You don't build a reputation on what you are going to do."
I don't have a problem with guys who referee hockey for purely "hobby-type" aspirations or recreational reasons...I just don't want their 'cooties'.
I'm looking for guys like that right now for our "Early Season Referee Camp" that runs 3 months from November thru January 31.
"Attitudes are contageous...is your's worth catching?"
I came up through the ranks with a bunch of athletes. There were some guys who (a) were really good at what they did, or (b) cared about their reffing so dang much that they did what was necessary to be really good at what they did. They were athletes.
Athlete? Non-Athlete?
** Here's an assignment for you:
Go to your local rink, watch a Bantam game, Midget game, H.S. game (nothing at PeeWee and below, because the percentages will go way up) and tell me how many overweight, out-of-shape guys you see? Tell me how many guys with unshaven faces and sloppy looking uniforms? Tell me how many guys wear glasses while reffing?
50%? More? Less?
I am sure all of those guys are great guys and do the game a service, BUT...
I don't want them on my team. I want athletes. Guys who are willing to pay the price. Guys who want it so bad that it hurts. Guys who would be willing to go through a brick wall to get it.
Guys, like Adam Shadiow, the winner of the Ultimate Officials 12 Week Transformation Contest:
"Wow. I guess that’s really it. I really didn’t sign up to win. I mean sure, I’m competitive, I wanted to win, but that wasn’t my goal. There are a bunch of other guys on that list that are pretty dedicated. I signed up as a motivator. Something to remind me mentally each day that if I don’t work-out… I have to own it… to friends. I have to tell people that I highly respect, “Yeah, I couldn’t even motivate myself to go into my own basement today.” I did it because I couldn’t do it alone. I’ve tried. For me, the social aptitude bit was worth every cent and the gateway to a realization that ultimately is worth more than any financial, physical, or mental reward. What I won… is my freedom from the idea that something is always in my way. To the extent of my personal, professional and recreational goals:
p.s. I ain't got nothing to bribe you to take action quickly...like NOW. I guess I am supposed to do that to help generate response. If you dont' want it badly, and you don't take action, I might not be able to help you. REMEMBER: The only thing in the way of you is YOU!.
Mental Toughness to the Extreme...good? bad? unhealthy? what's your take?
Being a Vikings fan, I watched with more interest than usual for Monday night's MNF game featuring Favre vs. the Packers. Of course, the Minneapolis area has been buzzing about this match up all week, if not since #4 signed with the Purple.
So, on my drive home from teaching school on Monday, I hear the local sports station interview Mike Ditka, and ask him how much of a revenge factor is going through Favre's head. Ditka said it wouldn't be like that at all, it's all about the will to win and treating the game like that (or something or other). "Yeah right," I thought, "this guy is gonna wanna rip through the Pack to make a statement, maybe his biggest statement to wrap up his career.
So, I am then watching the pre-game show on ESPN, which has Ditka, Boomer, Keyshawn, Cris Carter, and Tom Jackson. Once again, the topic comes up about "whether this game is a revenge game for Favre or not." Ditka gives his same answer that he gave KFAN earlier in the day on the radio - "Brett is more focused about winning. It's not about revenge."
The other guys laughed at that one...
Cris Carter -- Cris was let go by the Philadelphia Eagles and Coach, Buddy Ryan, who said, "All he does is catch touchdowns." When he was picked up by the Vikings and they played the Eagles, he wanted nothing more than to DESTROY them. Final result: 6 receptions for 151 yards and a 78 yard TD on MNF.
Tom Jackson -- He said that he "made stuff up" about the opposing team, just so he could get into a 'revenge-type' mindset (WOW!).
They all commented on Michael Jordan's Basketball Hall of Fame speech, where he called all kinds of people out, really surprising the entire crowd, and turning many of them off [Story Here]. A former assistant coach of his on the Chicago Bulls said that Jordan is "like an assassin", meaning he's a cold-blooded killer, approached the game that way, and, therefore, dominated the game.
It got me thinking about an interview that Tiger Woods did with Barbara Walters on 20/20, and she asked something like, "Do you go into each tournament expecting to win." His response was something like, "I don't even know why the others bother showing up. (DOUBLE WOW!).
All of this gets me thinking about referees. In 2007, I did a Thesis project on "The Mental Apsects of Officiating." One of the 5 common characteristics among elite level hockey refs is that they possess the "Mindset of a Champion." Well...I'd hate to tell you and others who get squemish about such things, but these people who think like champions do wonder why others show up. They are arrogant in some regards (most never act so outwardly -- it would diminsh their character -- but believe so inwardly. They are obsessed with winning and do what it takes.
So, the question finally comes down to: "How bad do you want it?" Really bad? Or only if it is easy? Referees aren't playing to win or lose. But many do play for keeps. It's a unique world where a hockey ref is in a brotherhood that is constantly in competition with each other. There are [percentages that are always present] in the hockey referee world...where does your mindset, competitive streak, and drive fall on that percentage?
Are you "like an assassin"? I know I am. I know that Favre played like one on Monday. (One more WOW!).
Are you serious about what you do, or is refereeing just a nice hobby and pasttime to keep you involved with the greatest game on earth? (BTW, the best games in the world, in this order, are (1) hockey, (2) golf, (3) paper/rock/scissors, and (4) American Football, (5) the rest).
Back to refereeing...if you know me by now, you know that I find inspiration all over the place and use it to motivate me for my reffing career (which is not a hobby and is deep-seated, dye-in-the-wool passion). Here is the lastest I found from Sports Illustrated this past week...
It was an article about the San Fransisco 49ers and their coach, Mike Singletary. I used to love watching "Samurai Mike" play for the Bears, and he was an inspiration because I played inside linebacker as well. Here's what he said in Sports Illustrated this past week in the September 28, 2009 issue:
"Greatness is not about someone who has the ability to be great," the 50-year old Singletary says, fixing the listener with the same piercing stare that once made quarterbacks weak in the knees and now makes the 49ers stiff in the spine. "Greatness shows up when someone might not have that ability but finds a way to succeed. They outwork their opponents, they outhit their opponents, they outfight their opponents. They want it more. Don't give me they guy who's supposed to be all-world and you've got to try to talk him into something. Give me the guy who has maybe just enough talent to be on the field but thinks he's great, and who's willing to do whatever he can do to contribute, to make his team better. That's what I want. Give me all the misfits, the guys no one else wants. Now trust me, I want some talent too. But give me the right type of talent."
Samurai Mike:
So how does one use this a motivation? Are you doing the small things, the little things, the things that really aren't little but end up being HUGE? Are you prepping yourself? Do you feel like you belong to some great event? I see all these things, every week now, from the guys and girls who have devoted themselves to being a member of the [SWAT Team].
My hockey officiating isn't a hobby. It's a passion. I belong to a very passionate subculture in this world. Kind of like the bodybuilding subculture...or the Mixed Martial Arts subculture...or the motorcycle-fanatic subculture...you get the idea. I think (unless this is a hobby for you, and if it is, I don't know how to speak your language).
This guy know how to speak my language (remember...passion...subculture).
Hopefully most of you know me by now...if not, I hope the videos give you a little insight into who I am.
The thing that you might be wondering is, "What is he exactly offering?" and "How does this apply to me?"
Answer 1: I am offering you chance to be a faster skater, with more explosiveness, more agility, more power, so you can work the Biggest and Best games of your life.
Answer 2: This only applies to you if you want the Biggest and Best games of your life.
More Specific Answer for Minneapolis/St. Paul folks: I am offering (a) Treadmill Training at Bloomington Ice Gardens on Mondays and Thursdays from 9pm to 10:30pm, starting August 3rd. (cost $250)
(b) On Ice "First Step Speed Training" at Eagan Civic Arena on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 am to 7 am. (cost $100)
See what an AHL Linesman had to say:
"I have seen quite a few power skating instructors in my life and JB was by far the most dynamic in his delivery; giving a wide variety of instructional methods and being able to demo them to a tee. You can tell that his passion for the game reflects in his instruction."
Chris Allman
(c) I am offering video-taped skating analysis of inline training at my house for FREE. See two examples here:
And see here:
email me: info@ultimateofficials.com
Tell me, "I want in!"
We'll set you up so you get those Bigger and Better Games. Ask about my guarantee!
That's my assumption. I highly doubt that you are sitting around at your house, or you woke up this morning, and said, "I wish someone would ask me to join a Fitness Contest today!"
I highly doubt that you are that much into physical fitness that would be wanting such a thing. That's my other assumption (you know what they say about people who assume???).
However, permit me the opportunity to work with you and I will help you get those bigger and better games. Here is just a small sampling of what others have said about the programs:
"JB i have started my workout process... I am putting it on the line hear, i will be transformed into a great official... I am going to put forward every effort on this, like i stated in a different email... I will stay in touch and u do the same, Thanks again JB for helping me on this."
Brandon G.
"JB, Thank you so much, that is great news!!! I plan on being apart of the new challenge.
You just made my day!! Thank you so much, I won't disappoint...Thank you for getting my name out there, now I'll have to do the rest!!"
Shane P.
"I have seen quite a few power skating instructors in my life and JB was by far the most dynamic in his delivery; giving a wide variety of instructional methods and being able to demo them to a tee. You can tell that his passion for the game reflects in his instruction."
Chris Allman
Why do they push themselves? Why do they seek instruction and guidance? For the exact same reason that I choose to push myself = I want to experience the "high" of working in front of 19,500 fans again...I want to experience the satisfaction of receiving the email that you have been selected to work the semi-finals...I want to experience the feeling of "doing my best" and "a job well done."
It's not about the exercise. It's not about the supplements. It's not about the plan. It's about what it can get me. That's the same reason there are (2) girls up at Grand Forks, ND kicking butt on all the guys up there...they want [bigger and better things].
email me: info@ultimateofficials.com
say, "I want In!"
and become a part of something Bigger and Better for you!!!
"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle; when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.” -
The post is a "link-o-rama," where I am essentially posting about someone else's comments that I like, find witty, humorous, or beneficial for hockey referees to see and hear. This is a post from a newsletter I receive from Dan Kennedy. Without blabbing on too much, I am just going to post his words, giving him all the credit, because...after all...he has even written a book about "Brass Balls."
note: All emphases are Dan's...
EVERY population divides roughly into 1%, 4%, 15%, 40% and 40% groups. Many more at the bottom than at the top...
YOU may choose to move from one group [in life - in our case, a league, level, or playoffs] to another by "moving" your ambition, thinking, acquisition and use of information, initiative, effort. But regardless of your choices, the fact that the majority of your peers are dead-wrong won't change a whit. For the most part, where a particular person gets to in this continuum from the top 1% to the bottom 40% has much less to do with differences in genetics, upbringing, education, opportunity or luck than it does decisions. Associations matter a lot, but they are or can be chosen. The first critical decision for upward movement is ALWAYS distrust the majority. It's not an easy decision to make. It's even harder to stick to. To see a majority stampeding north and stubbornly turn south. Not easy at all. To remember that whatever "everybody" is infatuated with you should spurn, a damnably difficult task.
from the NO B.S. Newsletter, May 2009
Here are my $0.02 thrown in:
The majority of officials I see who want to make big things of themself are dreamers. Just that. Nothing else. They dream and DON'T do. Real successful hockey referees take the bull by the effing horns and go. ACTION.
Association with the right people can do greater wonders than any other characteristic or trait.
Every notice that most of the refs (A) don't take conditioning seriously, (B) don't work very hard when reffing, (C) bitch about a lot of things and do little to change anything, and (D) wonder when their ship will come in, wondering how to get to the next level (or maybe they just don't give two sh*ts and are happy where they are)????
Ever want to belong to a group that is going somewhere, even if it is north when the rest are heading south? Ever want to super-charge yourself to a high level that you operate at each and every time you hit the ice? Ever want to referee at Mariucci arena when 10,000 are in the house??
I am blessed to be with 13 guys/gals just like...and the number is growing! [see here]
You want in??
Email: info@ultimateofficials.com -- say "I Want In!"
I was surfing the web, checking out some of my favorite blogs to read and I came across an article about the fact that the Denver University Hockey Team is going to train using Mixed Martial Arts training [Read post here].
These are exactly the types of exercises that I have been personally using and the one's that the SWAT Team for Ultimate Officials will be using as well.
Here are a few reasons why MMA training is beneficial for the game of hockey AND hockey officials:
1. emphasis on quickness, speed, and power
2. teaches you to master your body weight, and officials are never battling with someone else, so mastering your body weight is more specific than pushing on some resistance. (However, any resistance that does happen is when linesmen are "grappling" with some combatants. Therefore, I would rather be Royce Gracie than Bryant McKinnie).
3. MMA training is anaerobic training. You do these workouts, YOU WILL BE GASPING FOR AIR. Running sucks. Plain and simple. Tell me how running two miles helps you train for hockey. I haven't had anyone convince me yet.
If you want to know more than that, you'd better sign up for our SWAT Team. I know of some guys who are SERIOUSLY Bringing It! And they are fighting for the same spots in the same big games you are!
email me -- info@ultimateofficials.com ---- say "I Want In"
I was surfing along the great world wide web when I came across [this piece] on the first round of the playoffs. Without being able to speak as eloquently as Justin Bourne (this is a hockey player, not a movie guy...I remember reffing him when he played for U. of Anchorage Alaska), he sums up my feelings about the first couple rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
I see the grit on the players' faces. I see the heroism in sacrificing your body for the team. I see the will to do anything to win. I see the same characteristics I see in those who are now a part of the [Ultimate Officials SWAT Team]. I am very, very proud of these men and women (see below).
Here's a snippet from the Bourne Blog on the Hockey News:
Following these 16 teams’ epic quest is like watching Lord of the Rings: it’s one chaotic thing after the next; the odds of succeeding look thinner all the time and they both take forever to reach the end. But to get to the fires of Mordor (OK, dropping the analogy) – aka, to get to the final – is a journey unlike any other. The NBA isn't as physical; the NFL playoffs are four games total; and at the peak of the biggest moments, in the biggest games in baseball, 95 percent of the team can be seen eating sunflower seeds. The Stanley Cup is clearly the hardest trophy to win.
Below is the EXACT letter I wrote to USA Hockey in May of 2007. Compare that to this link: New USA Hockey Proposal
Dear Leader,
There are many courses available on self-improvement, personal development, goal setting and peak performance training.There is also an excellent education and training program through USA Hockey’s Officiating Education Program, including annual seminar training for Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, evaluation and mentoring programs, all the way up to the national development camps of Regional, National, and the Officiating Program of Merit.My proposal is to mend the two areas together.My proposal is to address the needs of all involved in the USA Hockey Officiating Program, in order to give provide an even higher level of training and consultation.
PROPOSAL: Establish a year round training, consultation, and information marketing business to supplement the training and education of the USA Hockey program.
This program is called the S.W.A.T. Team Development for Ice Hockey Officials.
S.W.A.T. = Special Weapons and Tactics
Mission Statement for S.W.A.T. = The S.W.A.T. Team is dedicated to continual personal development and advanced training of the ice hockey official.We do this by offering continual training in all aspects of ice hockey officiating through seminars, reports, manuals, coaching, consultation and monthly development tools.The S.W.A.T. Team will promote, recruit, and maintain personal relationships in the local communities to grow the number of ice hockey and inline officials through marketing and fundraising events.
The S.W.A.T. Team, which will remain independent of USA Hockey and is a non-profit institution,is dedicated to USA Hockey and all that it promotes.The S.W.A.T. Team in no way or manner wishes to replace or compete with USA Hockey Officiating Program.Let me put it this way – I love USA Hockey, what it has done for me and my family, and I look to give back to the program in time, talent, effort, and money.I have tasted the “sweet stuff” that USA Hockey has offered and I will always keep that in mind.
