HBO's 24/7 Road to the Winter Classic Begins Tonight

http://ultimateofficials.blogspot.com/2011/12/hbos-247-road-to-winter-classic-begins.html

Jan 2nd, Philadelphia v New York

Watching HBO's Road to the Winter Classic last year was easily one of the best hockey documentaries I have ever seen.  Ever.  I checked the stuff out on youtube, because I don't subscribe to HBO.  You should check it out on youtube as well, but you gotta do it quick before HBO takes it down.  

Here is the preview to this year's show.  Once again, easily the best produced hockey documentary you could ever watch:

Preview to 24/7 Flyers/Rangers: Road to NHL Winter Classic '11

Video is the Best Learning Tool

http://ultimateofficials.blogspot.com/2011/12/video-is-best-learning-tool.html

I Just Took This Pic in my "Situation Room"

Video can serve a hockey official (it's not just for players & coaches) so well; watching yourself, analyzing skating, critiquing penalty calls, using it as a teaching, it is the most powerful and effective medium Ultimate Officials uses.

Here is a testimonial I just received from a subscribing trainee in the Ultimate Officials Online Camp:

 I KNOW for a fact if it weren't for the influence of you and the UO guys (even though I'm not the most "participatory"), there is no way this would have happened.  (in reference to being selected as a junior official) M.M.

My wish is that I could have all the goodies that the NHL has in their "Situation Room".  Check out the following video:

I saw the expanding use of the internet and visioned a "virtual classroom" to help teach and develop on ice officials.  I am working with video on almost a daily basis, editing videos that I have shot myself while supervising games, watching those in junior hockey on FAST hockey online broadcasts to write up game notes, even using NHL videos and examples.  So that picture of me up above is "what I do" for guys in the UO programs.  I was recently interviewed by "Let's Play Hockey" and I talk about this in the article:

http://www.letsplayhockey.com/1051heyref.html

All online members of Ultimate Officials are emailed video situations on a weekly basis, have access to video tutorials, and some even receive DVD's of their game footage.  Below is an example of a video from www.uoteach.blogspot.com

Concussions & Head Injuries for Hockey Officials

http://ultimateofficials.blogspot.com/2011/11/concussions-head-injuries-for-hockey.html

Pat Dapuzzo, former NHL Linesman, now an NHL Scout

This story is not for the faint of heart.  The video makes me "queasy" every time I watch it.

Here is the article from the NY Times about Pat Dapuzzo and the effects of head injuries he has received in his almost 2,000 games NHL career: NY Times Article

Excerpt from "Recovery Doesn’t Stop After Injuries Heal":

"After working four straight conference finals from 1991 to 1994, Dapuzzo missed the next season to be treated for depression. He returned for the 1995-96 season wearing a helmet for the first time, but he never worked a playoff game again."

 Here is the video of the incident:

At Net Skills (plus some Knuckles)

Are Those Sweet Ref sweaters with white buckets???

Preached time and time again here at UO is the "At-Net Skills" (see link).  Not only is this a pretty goal, but check out the ref position (and his fancy uni):

Another video for fun (there is just a *few* punches thrown):

Another video, also just for fun, which is a major league deke job (TOAST! BURNT!):

The UO 2-1 Hockey Skills Camps

The following video is a "highlight" video from the June and July Ultimate Officials 2-1 Hockey Skills Camps.

I call these camps "hockey skills" camps, because I stress that the officials work on hockey skills that can transfer over into any other system...regardless if it is the 1-2 system, the 2 official system, the 2-1 system, or the 4 official system.

Skills like: footwork, first-step speed, getting in the Golden Triangle and working the Golden Triangle, anticipation, and "at-net skills" are the skills that are stressed.  Using summer hockey as a time to work on all of these skating (and mental) skills help ensure an even better performance for the next season.  These camps are designed for those who are looking to continue their climb up the ladder.  I hope you enjoy!


http://vimeo.com/27025329

2011 UO 2-1 Hockey Skills Camps from J.B. Olson on Vimeo.

June 23-24 Camp Officials:

Joe Millette

Mike Diebold

Brian Thul (trainer)

Matt Butchko

Jeff Beckers (trainer)

Robert Beckl

Jamie Halverson

Eric Arndt

Clayton Smith

July 22-24 Camp Officials:

Nick Bradshaw

Brendan Cohen

Jason Olson

Cameron Voss

Clayton Smith

Joe Millette

Summer Camp Updates

UO Has Got the BOOM!

A shout out goes the following boys for the Summer of 2011:

Minnkota Camp Acceptance:

Joel Omundson

Tim Ferrel

Zach Nelson

Robert Beckl

USA Hockey Regional Camp Acceptance:

Aaron Barlow

Jake Brenk

Ryan Szymanski

USA Hcokey National Camp Acceptance:

Nick Bradshaw

Ultimate Officials Spring Treadmill Camp:

Aaron Barlow

Clayton Smith

Nick Bradshaw

Norm Gaskins

Jake Brenk

Neil Missling

Kevin Cassidy

Tim Ferrel

Paul Gallmeier

Zach Nelson

Cameron Voss

What are you doing this summer?  www.UltimateOfficials.com

This summer proves to be better than the last one!

UO Summer 2010 from J.B. Olson on Vimeo.

"Get to The Net," says Dan

Get to the Net - See the Puck

May 9 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/CBC%27s_Hockey_Night_in_Canada/1237534952/ID=1916564998

Notes:
1. Steve Kozari getting in position to make a crucial goal call.  Props!

2. OUCH - Dan goes after Walkom one more time, in regards to embellishment.

Diving  - NOT in Hockey, Boys!

From the IIHF Worlds

Just posting these videos because: (A) they show the "one-man wrecking crew of  Evgeny Artyukhin, and (B) the game was refereed by Minnesota boy, Tom Sterns (he even has his name pronounced in Slovakian - "Toh-mass Sterns".

 

Good ol' Evgeny wasn't done after that previous series either! Like I said, "one-man wrecking crew":

(Sternsie gives the signal "hit him with the shoulder"). Arty got 4 PIMs in game for Interference:

Dan talks Choppping Wood (Composite)

Marouelli talks about Chopping an Opponent

May 5 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/CBC%27s_Hockey_Night_in_Canada/Hockey_Night_Online/1350044207/ID=1911369847

Notes:
1. The "10 second Rule" (errr...the 8 second rule) at the end of periods.  The saying goes, "Great linesmen can make a referee better.  No matter how good a referee is, he can NOT make the linesmen better." See this in principle in the first part of the interview.

2. It's the Action of the Slash - The guy "chokes" up to make the slash.  That's the action that is penalized.  Stick presses, taps, chops are not (usually) where there is no "cocking" of the stick.

Kudos to the team!

Walkom Mic'd Up for Game 4

One of my favorite NHL refs

Stephen Walkom gets mic'd up for Game 4 of Washington vs. Tampa Bay.  Great communication sound bites in there for officials to learn and use:
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=40&id=113237


Stick tap to Chris Fair for sharing this one.

HNIC: Marouelli Gives Props!

Dan Marouelli - 25 Year NHL Referee Interview

May 4 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/CBC%27s_Hockey_Night_in_Canada/1237534952/ID=1909513323

Notes:

A. "Sight Lines" - they analyze the big hit that Niklas Kronwall put on Danny Heatley.  It's all about position and angles, Boys!

Here Comes the "Boom"!

2. Dan talks about "Hockey Skills" - Sounds kind of familiar (see here).

3. Super "props" goes out to the boys in stripes.  Great night of hockey (unless you are a Washington Capitals fan...oof!)

More Dan Marouelli

Dan Goes for a Run with the Boys

May 3 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/CBC%27s_Hockey_Night_in_Canada/1237534952/ID=1908452300

Notes:

Penalty Shot Criterea:

1. Infraction occurs past attacker's own blue line.

2. Possession and control of the puck/no opponent to pass other than the goalie

3. Foul committed from behind.

4. Denied a reasonable scoring opportunity.

Ovechkin complains...

Ref calls a hook, no penalty shot

Dan says, "Yes" it should have been a penalty shot.

I say, "Ooof...I am all in favor of calling penalty shots, but I agree with the on ice call."

Comments?

Side note: One of my mentors called a hook on a semi-break, and the coach went off on him, because he wanted a penalty shot.  My mentor told him, "If you can explain the four criteria for a penalty shot, I will call it.  Otherwise, if you want to keep complaining, I will call a bench minor on you!"

Loved it!

Dan Marourelli Interviews (lots of them)

Dan Marouelli - 25 Years NHL Referee

Attention Hockey Referees out there: Dan Marouelli, former great NHL Referee, has been doing interviews on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.  The guy gives great insight to thoughts on officiating in the playoffs.

I am a bit behind here, but I will post the interviews and thoughts for the Stanley Cup playoffs from Marouelli from here on out through the finals.

Here are a series of links and my notes (p.s. I highly encourage you to watch them all, but if you do, you will be sick of seeing the Chevy ads before each and every one :)


*********************************************************************************
May 1 link: http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/CBC%27s_Hockey_Night_in_Canada/1237534952/ID=1905451581

Notes:
Communication note: Refs who don't talk to the bench, in this case about "snowing goaltenders", you've got to have a discussion with the bench.  Great commentary.

Sticks and gloves: Refs have got to be "zoned in" on the sticks and gloves of the players.

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

April 30 link:
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/Hockey/1249236098/ID=1904706196

Notes:
Color Check: This is a term I use to make sure you are watching ANYWHERE on the ice where there are opposite colored jersey's together (in this case, Orange and White).  It is "forced awareness" to see subtle slashes and other infractions.
*********************************************************************************

April 28 link:
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/CBC%27s_Hockey_Night_in_Canada/1237534952/ID=1902456661

Notes:
Keith Ballard "clipping": I reffed this guy starting when he was a Squirt.  Great player, who just goes too low on a hit.


Playoff Round Selections: A bit of description (including a list of referees for the 2nd Round) on selections for each round.
*********************************************************************************

April 26 link:
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/CBC%27s_Hockey_Night_in_Canada/Hockey_Night_Online/1350044207/ID=1899366578

Notes:
"At Net Skills": Dan talks about quick whistles and the necessity of driving to the net.  This one is a tough one to swallow for the ref.  Do you hang back or drive the net? "At the end of the day, you gotta go where the puck is."


Hit to the head (Lucic on Spacek): Notice the talk about positioning (see my video: Work the Puck)
*********************************************************************************

April 23 link:
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/CBC%27s_Hockey_Night_in_Canada/Hockey_Night_Online/1350044207/ID=1895494016

Notes:
Goal Line Positioning: Brad Meier is "Johnny on the Spot" (even got complimented by Don Cherry!)
*********************************************************************************

April 21 link:
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/Top_Stories/1237510081/ID=1893383544

Notes:
PLAYOFF HOCKEY STANDARD: This is a great discussion (with video example) on how to properly call a playoff game.  GREAT DISCUSSION.
*********************************************************************************

April 20 link:
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/Hockey/1249236098/ID=1891881376

Notes:
Goaltender Interference/Accidental Interference: Positioning on the play, watching the players take advantage of a shove to take out/interfere with the goalie. ANOTHER GREAT DISCUSSION.

The Ref Didn't Throw the Elbow: This continues to be a great interview, talking about the Mike Richards elbow, called by Francis St. Laurent.
*********************************************************************************

April 16 link:
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/CBC%27s_Hockey_Night_in_Canada/Hockey_Night_Online/1350044207/ID=1885605314

Notes:
Communication Between Ref and Players: Dan talks about talking to players, and why/when to talk to the players. Clips showing Brad Meier, Paul Devorski, and Steve Kozari.
*********************************************************************************

You Make the Call

That's You, Standing There, Thinking about the Call

Game 6 - PHI at BUF - Mike Richards hit on Tim Connolly:


The call on the Play: Minor for Boarding

The call you make in a split-second decision: ?????

Does time of the game (13:57 in 2nd Period), type of player (Captain, Mike Richards) and game (Game 6, going to a Game 7) make a difference???

Ryan Miller, goalie for the Sabres, had this to say:  "If Mike Richards thinks we're getting away with murder I don't know what he just got away with. Mass murder? Are we stepping up a notch? Unbelievable."

Game 7 is Tuesday April 26, 2011 at 6:30 pm (CST) on Versus.

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

Does the type of player make a difference in this hit?:

The call on the Play: Minor for Interference

The call you make in a split-second decision: ????

Does the type of player (bad boy, Jarkko Ruutu) make a difference in suspension?  Ruutu is suspended one game.

Talk amongst yourselves...

Holy Close Play, Batman

"Make sure you are on the blue line, Robin."

Close play at the line on the rush that led to the O.T. winner for the Bruins over the Canadiens.  Yes, it is on-side and it is a PERFECT EXAMPLE of how line calls can be deceiving when viewed for the stands, the benches, on TV, or anywhere that isn't on the line, looking at the determining edge of the blue line.

I LOVE IT! (Plus, on a personal note, I love that the Bruins won, because I got them winning the Stanley Cup in my Ultimate Officials NHL Pick Em Contest...whew!  All things tied a two games apiece now.)

What is a "Dirty" Hit These Days?

"What's the Buzz All About?"

Head contact...

Concussions...

Targeting the head...

Hitting from Behind...

Charging?....

All buzz words these days in hockey circles. I can't turn on Versus, the VS "Overtime" Show, NHL "On the Fly", nor NHL Radio on XM/Sirius without hearing them talk on and on and on about the aforementioned buzz words.

Before we even get on and on and on about the buzz, I have a video and a link for you and a recent NHL playoff article for you:


Zebra TV - Episode 3 from J.B. Olson on Vimeo.
Link referenced in the above video: http://youtu.be/m55RtBUyKcA

RECENT BOURNE ARTICLE LINK: http://www.hockeyprimetime.com/news/columns/when-clean-hits-look-dirty
(psst...I love the writing of Justin Bourne, former NCAA - Alaska-Anchorage - and Minor Pro Player)

RECENT NHL PLAYOFF STUFF:






*******************
A few things I would like to say, as an ex-player first, and then, as a hockey referee second:

1. I played to hurt guys. Not injure them, but hurt them. What's the difference? The difference is (a) making a guy think twice about tangling in the corner with me again, and (b) I want that guy to feel the "sting" NOT (I repeat *NOT*) to put him in the hospital.

Hockey is a great sport because it can be beautiful, artistic, and at the same time BARBARIC. Me...I liked the BARBARIC side of the sport as much as any.

2. I think a lot of the increase in injuries is because we don't call CHARGING enough.

There are a number of reasons we don't call charging enough...like, does the guy go 100 mph and then set his feet prior to the hit, thus, negating the "taking two or more strides thing?

How about the fact that most times a ref calls charging everybody in the building screams "INJUSTICE!"?(well...half of the people involved).

How about the fact that players are stronger, bigger, and a whole lot faster than before, and no one seems to like the notion of cutting down on speed? Let's face it, there are some big dudes out there moving full tilt.

How about the fact that some of these things happen because everyone is moving full tilt and it is really hard to make an adjustment when we are taking "miliseconds". All guys have on their mind is "finish the hit". All guys are coached to do is to "finish the hit". When you have that demand running through your brain, and the guy you are checking suddenly turns or ducks...well...it's damn hard to stop your momentum.

*********************
What's the answer? I don't have one. I just know that some of the things I have mentioned here are facts that are tough to disprove. Real tough.


(note: hitting from behind is not tough...it is gutless, but look at the Johan Franzen video in the "Bourne Article" and tell me whether Shane Doan was being gutless or not. I say "not" because...well...he was moving FAST!)

Zebra TV - Episode 1

Zebra TV - Episode 1 from J.B. Olson on Vimeo.

[Movember link]

Ryan Miller - Questions Will Become Answers

You know me (and if you totally don't yet), you know that I am a sucka (said in a somewhat high-pitched voice) for stuff like this:

What A Great Time Had by All!

We had a GREAT TIME on Friday night, playing shinny hockey on the small pond at Velocity Hockey Center in Eden Prairie, MN.  Seriously...we had a BLAST!

Keep your eyes open for the next game, TBD during the month of August, and once a month from here on out.

Forget soccer...this is the "Beautiful Game"....



By the way, team Dark beat team White in a sudden death shootout winner, by Brad Albers, after the score was tied 14 to 14. 

Team Dark                                                              Team White
Brad Albers                                                             Joe Oberg
Brian McAvoy                                                          Nick Bradshaw
Dana Penkevich                                                      Nick Dornfeld
Brian Thul                                                              Cory Effertz
Tony Lancette                                                         Tom Sterns
Brooke Lancette-White                                             J.B. Olson
Aaron Barlow                                                          Jamie Halverson
Andy Priley                                                             Sam Cassidy
Kevin Cassidy

Here's a Sick, Sick Move

It's mid-July, and, yes, I have found some hockey action that is worth watching.  This move was from the MN Wild's Development Camp this past weekend (July 17 and 18, 2010).  BTW, for you local Minnesota boys out there, the referees were Tom Sterns (multiple IIHF World Championships & WCHA Ref) and Brian Thul (5 yr. ECHL ref & WCHA ref).  Check out scrimmage highlights: CLICK HERE

This move is GREAT!: