McGwire was Cheating, But The UO Refs Results Are Real

Wow!  Now that was the shocker of the new millennium...I thought that an athlete could get that big by eating Wheaties and doing Body by Jake...

How about some results that are for real (and I put my life on the fact that none of these referees took steroids.  Can you make that claim, Roger Clemens???):

• Ken Thielman lost 20 lbs, shaved 2.5 inches off his waist, and says, "I look better and feel better." (I'd definitely go along with that).

• Neil Missling gained 6 lbs, while shaving 1/2 inch off his waist, and put on muscle as a skinny guy who had challenges getting bigger (and, no steroids!).

• Darren Glur lost 11 lbs, shaved 1 inch off his waistline, and says he "changed a lot of what/when I eat."

• Domenic Zecca lost 28 lbs and claims, "This is just the starting point!"

• Cameron Voss gained 3/4 inch on biceps (I liked to see you do that.  I can help with that, you know) and now routinely cranks out over 40 push ups.

• Nick Biondich gained 5 lbs (another skinny guy who had challenges before) while he shaved 2 inches off his waist!! (Doh!)

• Robert Beckl lost 10 lbs and 1.5 inches off his waist (no steroids).

• Jessica Hahnle lost 11 lbs, 4 inches off her waist (another Doh!), 1+ inch off each thigh, and gained an inch of muscle in her arms (again, no steroids)
  

• Adam Shadiow lost 30 lbs and says this was all possible due to:

1. Social Aptitude (that means hanging around high achievers)
2. Accountability (you need to do what you say you are going to do)
3. External Motivation from a Group of Like-Minded People


 Watch this video again if you are unsure:

• Jessica also said, it was "Absolutely worth the $$$!"

email: info@ultimateofficials.com

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2010 is Here...Ready for a Change?

email: info@ultimateofficials.com

$10/month fee -- click on "Subscribe Button"

The "Ultimate" New Year's Resolution

New Year's Resolutions 2010:

1. Lose those 10-20 extra pounds
2. Gain some muscle definition
3. Work the Championship Game

Ultimate Officials Announces the 2010 New Year's Resolution Fitness Challenge:

Who: Anyone who wants to make a change in their life.  Lose weight...gain muscle...get quicker...better stamina.  All hockey referees contact me [ info@ultimateofficials.com ].

What: A Fitness Challenge that lasts 60 Days -- January 1, 2010 through February 28, 2010.  (60) Days to make a serious change in your physical self!

When: Register by the end of December (deadline is Jan 15th - Take Action NOW!).  As stated, we are going from January 1 until February 28th.  Let's call it "The Push for the Playoffs"

Where: At your gym, your home (I got stuff for you - click here), or anywhere you can work off some pounds and add some muscle!

Why: See what past participants in our Fitness Challenges have said before:

" I know I have gotten strong and faster in my legs and that was one area I brought it nearly every time.  Happy to be up 6 lbs, I was hoping to eclipse the 160 mark with this as those 6 came early, but I plateaued after that.  I think part of that comes from losing some fat and gaining some muscle.  I know endurance and strength have improved."

Neil M.

"There is no question that my core, legs and stamina are better than they were when I started and I will continue w/ my 3 per week, plus playing hockey once a week and officiating as many games as I can."

Mike D.

"So far I have lost 18 lbs and have restructured my body. I used to wear size 38 pants and now wear 36s. My work shirts fit better but some of my other shirts look a little baggy to my wife. My face and chest look a lot slimmer and it is very noticeable."

Ken T.

"I have gotten a few questions/compliments about how skinny I look lately. I think a lot of it had to do with the nutrition part. I was in the group of guys that really had no idea was would be a good diet and what/when should I be eating.  The nutritional instruction provided in the swat team manuel and blogs/e-mails was really helpful for me.  I have changed a lot of what/when I eat.  That I think is a lot more than a 12 week contest for me."

 Darren G.

And much, much more...

** NOTE: NO MORE FREE REGISTRATIONS.  EVERY SINGLE HOCKEY REF WHO REGISTERED FOR FREE DID NEXT TO NOTHING, HAD LITTLE TO REPORT, AND PROVED THAT WITH NO INVESTMENT, THERE IS NO RETURN (OK, the percentage of those who did something was less than 1%-not good odds). **

You can register by contacting me [ info@ultimateofficials.com ].

I will give you all kinds of information on (a) workouts, (b) nutrition, (c) hockey referee specific information, and (d) resources you can use over and over again.

What Could You Win???:  (A) $100 for First Place (Adam Shadiow won the last contest), (B) a healthier body, (C) less weight to lug around the ice, and (D) mayber even that Championship Game!

Contact me to register [ info@ultimateofficials.com ].

Hey, Ref! You Got a Coach?!?

Seriously...do you?  Do you know what in "h-e-double hockey sticks" is going on in your games?  Do you find yourself guessing yourself?

Before I go on too far (and possibly lose you, because the average attention span nowadays is, like, 10 seconds), I want to bullet a list of things coming:

• Video Tutorials on "Why I Love the 2-1 Ref System" (yeah, you read that right, I love the 2-1 system, and if it confuses/frustrates you, well, come along and I'll reveal some secrets).

• New One Page Website, strictly on: "What Exactly Do You Offer (to those not in Minneapolis/St. Paul)?" This will be a 'one-stop' shop to see how/why the Ultimate Officials Online Referee Camps can benefit you and your association.

• A rant/rave on "How to Shed 10 pounds (for good) and Be a Better Skater".  Seriously, man, have you looked in the mirror lately?  Without sucking in your gut?  How about taking a picture of yourself in shorts and no shirt?

OK...hope I still got you here.  There is a hockey writer out there who I think is a brother from another mother for me.  I haven't told him this per se (I did try to get in his Fantasy Hockey League, but he didn't take me :( but he says some really DIFFERENT stuff.  Not your usual hockey writings.

Here's Justin Bourne's latest blog entry [Bourne's Blog].

I want to include an excerpt here to help explain myself and what the guys in the Ultimate Officials Referee Camp are receiving in the way of coaching for hockey refs:

“Old school coaches” that GM’s and owners love to hire (”nobody’s slackin’ on our team!”) beat up the same tired mantra.  It’s about hard work.

Gotta be ready from the drop of the puck!  Finish checks!  Out-work ‘em down low!  Gogogo!  …Oh we lost?  We got outworked.  See you at practice tomorrow.

Davis would still preach hard work, but he prepares his teams too.  Before each game, the whiteboard was JAMMED with information.  Those crib notes included our opponents most used breakouts, their powerplay breakouts, powerplay setups, who to “key on” (who’s the most frequent PP shooter, stay in his lane), what their penalty kill setup is, goalie’s weakness etc.  Then, the list of all of our info… same stuff, other side.

He had it up as soon as we walked in the room, so guys could grab a coffee and study up before he came in and went over it all.

Between periods, he made adjustments.  “They switched from a box plus-one on the powerplay to an umbrella, here’s our counter-adjustment…”

Have you ever been evaluated and told real basic stuff like:

• keep working hard, you'll get there
• you're not doing anything wrong, you're real close to being one of my top guys
• you need to be a better skater
• you'll get your chance

How about coaching that is specific to you and your needs?  In order to not blab on and on and on, here's some recent comments I have received:
*************************************************
"J.B., Thank you for the evaluation! I have reviewed it 4 times since you sent it last night.  I learn something everytime I watch it.  I really appreciate it!" and "First of all, I really appreciate everything you are doing for me.  You have know idea what this means to me!"

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

"I want it JB… and I might not ever get there, but it is my “far goal” that really helps me focus on my weaknesses during those 6 goal Women’s games."

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

"I really appreciate your help and feedback so far. It has been really great and extremely helpful. I am looking forward to improving a lot this year."

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

"Thanks for the individual message. I agree with the goals for this year.  My number one priority is to learn the 2-1 system."

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

"If I were an up-and-coming official, I would gladly have paid $25 a week to have someone of your caliber come out and watch me and give me feedback."

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

"So far I have lost 18 lbs and have restructured my body. I used to wear size 38 pants and now wear 36s. My work shirts fit better but some of my other shirts look a little baggy to my wife. My face and chest look a lot slimmer and it is very noticeable."

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

And, lastly, I will steal a youtube clip from Bourne's Blog, featuring an out-of-control coach (p.s. I know and have worked with the referee):

 

It Gives Me Quivers Down to My Livers

Sunday afternoon...first day of training camp...and the boys are getting "their game legs" underneath them.



We've got some guys (including myself) getting the game legs on, too!:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

The Proof is in the Pudding

I'm the Dave Pelz of Hockey Officiating
(I guess you could call it my "Mission Statement")

"My life is helping referees get bigger and better games.


Get better games, that's what it is all about.

I've Been Spotting More Lean and Mean Refs Out There

This says it all:

Get You Faster. Period.

This is one example of the video analysis we will do with you. See the videos below:

In fact, we offer this analysis FREE of CHARGE!

What do I need to get started?

1. Video Camera: This service is being provided 100% online. Thus, the only way that I can see your swing is using video. (If you are looking at purchasing a new video camera, I would highly recommend any of the Sony HD video cameras.)

2. Camera Set Up: Ideally, we get a shot of you coming at the camera from the FRONT, a shot of you going away from the camera from the BACK, and a shot from the side.

3. Video of Skating: Take a couple of shots (a) skating forwards, (b) skating backwards.

4. Send Swings: Once you have video taped your swings, send them to info@ultimateofficials.com. You should receive an email from me within 48 hours confirming I have received your information. You may be asked to fill out a short survey. If you are, please fill it out quickly and thoroughly.

5. Coaching Tips/Training Tips: I will edit and produce a video clip, much like the ones you see here, and a workout plan will be included. There will be specific information on exercises to make your stride more powerful, quicker, faster "first-step speed", and with greater agility.

(NOTE: These training tips are not included in the video. These are techniques I have learned from teaching hundreds of skaters over 15 years, and I only save those for the hockey referees who are SERIOUS).

OK...So, I am NOT this INTO Twitter!

Those on the SWAT Team know that I am all about using Twitter for accountability purposes. The psychological effects of answering to someone that "you are doing what you said you were going to do" is highly effective.

In fact here are some "tweets" I received yesterday (my comments in Blue):

"Had a good weekend at camp, I made the program passed level 4 skating exam so I thought it was a good weekend gotta get back to work"

(This guy is referring to the Jr. Officials Development Program Camp that was held in South St. Paul this past weekend. One step towards his ultimate goal(s). The guy has been busting his butt, wants it bad, and puts his accountability on the line. How about you??).

"Invited to pool party hit chest back and biceps first. Going to stick to the meal plan as best as I can. ps no booze"

(The PGA Championship just wrapped up this past weekend in Minnesota. Even though Tiger Woods lost on the Final Day for the first time in his career at a Major, he definitely impressed the home crowd with his work ethic. This ref is keeping his nose to the grindstone = payoff in the future).

"Seriously my best session of Kenpo yet. True DNA removal. To date, I have an X on every workout on my calendar. BRING IT!"

(An X on everyday. I love it! Who's keeping up with this guy?? That's commitment. That's raising the bar high! That's building a reputation. My favorite quote = 'You don't build a reputation on what you are GOING to do.")

"Hey thanks for everything......i made the junior program....all the hard work is paying off."

(Don't you find it hard to work so hard for something that might not pay off until some time down the road? The problem with immediate gratification is that it takes too long. Another favorite quote: "It takes 15 years to build an overnight success." By the way, this guy is bringing serious heat!)


On the lighter side of sports and twitter, here's Kenny Mayne:

The Evidence is There

Training...you want to be a Better Referee, with Bigger Games?

You can do a few things to help:

1. Train better
2. Train smarter
3. Do what works.
4. Do what is Proven to Work

Here's some results (these are real, not made up, and anonymous, because I want to respect each person's anonymity...mine is the first one, though :):

Case Study #1. Lost 10 lbs, added two inches to chest size, 1/2 inch to arms, one inch to legs, dropped 2 inches from waist

Case Study #2. "Success: Today I decided it was time to do a skate. It is a nice morning, sure I did PlyoX until 11PM last night, but psshhhh I'll be alright, and besides, I didn't really feel like doing the Vinasas from the CardioX vid. So I strapped em up and hit the pavement. And after 5 weeks of P90X I have replaced 4 months of skate training. Today I skated my St Cloud Loop in 43:09:00. Not only does that blow away my pathetic attempt in May, it beats my best time around that loop by nearly 2 minutes, after all of 10 hours after PlyoX.

What did I learn:

Number 1: It's working, no longer need to search for motivation.
Number 2: My cardiovascular strength is better today than it was on Marathon Day
last fall.
Number 3: I recover... REALLY fast.  What used to take a minute to go from gassed
to ready is now about 15 seconds.
Number 4: For the first time in my life, my lungs outlasted my legs.  I need to
really start to bring it with my legs.
Number 5: I need to take in more nutrition.  I am bonking a little in spots and
need to make sure to take in enough high quality proteins and calories. "

Case Study #3:
"I am up 2 pounds (to a steady 155 from 153) with drinking 24 oz 2% Milk
with 60g of protien immediately following my workout each day. My goal was
15 in 90 days, but I would be satisifed with 12. I have never felt so good
being so sore. I feel muscle groups being used and worked that I havent
used before. I havent noticed any gain in size, muscle definition, or
skating ability, but I wont start looking for those until week 8 or so.

Hopefully this will gives others confidence, or let them know they arent
the only ones struggling through the first couple weeks."

Case Study #4:
"I'll come clean to all of you that I
have not been as dedicated as I need to.
I have done 1 1/2 P90X work-outs and my overall schedule hasn't worked for me to get
back on it.  No excuses - I just haven't done it. 
P90X is the answer and I WILL get on it or all of you b*stards are going to kick
my *ss out there - and I don't want that! "



(someone told me I am the billboard - here goes):

This is About Practicing EXCELLENCE!

July 31 is the deadline to get in on our Fitness Contest. For the past 4 weeks I have been presenting this opportunity for referees and, true to form, the percentages have followed this contest as well.

What percentages???

Life is a Bell Curve. Here's how it goes...

The bottom 50% are just along for the ride, and some of them want a free ride (those people won't even get up off the couch, put down their remote, and do something -- I asked 75 referees to be a part of this...only 30 raised their hand, so that puts the "non-hand raisers" in the bottom 60% = OUCH!!).

Of the top 40% "hand raisers", only 15 have actually TOOK ACTION and stepped forward to get those Bigger and Better games ( so the ACTION people are in the top 20%).

Of the 15 people, I asked them to send in a before and after photo, measurements, and set up a plan. We have now sorted everyone down to 8 people...they are in the top 10%.

Here's the 10% Club = Neil Missling, Kevin Cassidy, Jim Jarvis, Mike Diebold, Phil Stodgell, Nick Bradshaw, Cameron Voss, and Nick Dornfeld (there are two guys in Duluth, MN rocking it, too!)

You know what...these guys are working their butts off. I LOVE IT!!!

Here's what these guys understand about practicing EXCELLENCE...this is a part of an article written by Dan Kennedy, that I have copied for you. Pay close attention to the part about ASSOCIATIONS (not ref associations, but the "crowd" you hang out with):

"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."

The top 1% of ALL officials refereeing hockey in the United States are in the NHL, AHL, ECHL and NCAA Div 1 College. That's about 260 refs out of 26,000.

This isn't about getting you to the Pro's or College. This is about practicing EXCELLENCE.



email me: info@ultimateofficials.com

tell me, "I want in!"

What Are You Offering???

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)

See what these guys had to say:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

(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!

12 Week Contest Explained

Deadline: July 31, 2009

#24 for Detroit - Is He Done???

Chris Chelios is my new idol for one reason and one reason only -- I will be the Chris Chelios of referees. If a writer like John Buccigross can have an obsession with Hakan Loob, then I can have my Chelios and his [Hour of Power] workout! He is still in the league at age 47 (to put that into some kind of referee years - that would be some kind of equivilant like reffing the NHL at age 77). Well...I'm 37, so I have a lot of [butt-kickin'] years to go!

E.J. Radek for espn.com just listed his Top Ten for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2009. Here was number 10:

"Detroit ageless warrior Chris Chelios, playing in what might have been his last NHL game (he didn't dress during the Cup finals, but isn't ready to retire), made an overtime rush in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Blackhawks at the Joe Louis Arena. The 47-year-old American hockey icon moved the puck from his own zone to the far blue line before passing it to a teammate on the right wing. He then continued to the net and nearly batted a rebound past Hawks goalie Cristobal Huet. That would have been quite a way for Chelios to go out. Of course, we're not sure he's done yet."

Lastly, I thank him for being the poster boy for hard work and determination. I love it!

Off Ice Power Skating Introduction Video

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Game 7 - Slump Busters - and Talent

Did you watch game 6 last night? If not, look [here - click on that spinning play button circle]. If so, you saw a heck of a game by the Penguins, Marc-Andre Fleury, and the Wings! Being biased of course, I'd also say that the referees, Bill McCreary and Marc Joannette were great (personally, I like them more than the other tandem - although the other tandem does include an American and Paul Devorski, who is Mr. Big Nuts #2, behind McCreary).

Back to last night's game...The Pens win 2-1 and both of their goals were scored by whom??? Nobody named Crosby or Malkin (I'm not a big fan of Malkin, by the way, read the above link or the Game 5 notes). Who scored? Jordan Staal and Tyler Kennedy - two 3rd liners. Sweet!

I love lunch bucket guys!

Generally, I really can't stand prima-donnas. Allow the opportunity to explain the difference between a prima-donna and an all-star guy -- Wayne Gretzky was NOT a prima-donna, Mario Lemiux was NOT a prima-donna, and Joe Thornton is NOT a primma-donna. They are all incredibly talented guys who work their butts off. On the flip side, Marian Gaborik is a primma-donna -- not a whole lot of guts in that game...

Why do I love lunch bucket guys so much? Because I am one of them. I have never been overly talented...at anything. I have had to bring a whole lot of piss and vinegar to EVERYTHING I've done. That's why I enjoyed this article so much:

Justin Bourne, former U-Alaska Anchorage star

"I went through stretches of great success in college and pro hockey, tying together point streaks of double digit games on multiple occasions. As you may have guessed, I also went through stretches of great misery, tying together streaks of wall-punching and pulling my hair out at the root for double-digit games…on multiple occasions.

The standard song and dance about slump breaking is, in my opinion, what prolongs them.

“Keep it simple. Shoot from everywhere.”

Garbage.

Nothing twists the knife in your already-stabbed confidence like a goalie casually gloving down your shot from left field that you only took because technically, that spot by the boards at the blueline fell under the category of “everywhere.”

The only known antidote for the slump sickness, of course, is to work so hard Rod Brind’Amour looks lazy.

It takes a couple games of driving the net, hovering around the crease and generally playing violently before a shot from the point redirects off the bridge of your nose and goes in for you to get back to normal."

See the whole blog [here].

I've had the distinct pleaure of working out with some lunch bucket guys at Velocity Hockey Center, doing some gut-busting work on the skating treadmill.

I have had the VERY DISTINCT PLEASURE of working with some guys on some of the BEST and MOST EFFECTIVE and MOST REFEREE-SPECIFIC off-ice workouts out there.

All is sweet when the lunch bucket guy gets his...

p.s. Want any of the lunch bucket action? Contact me: info@ultimateofficials.com

Say, "I've got my lunch bucket"

Airing My Dirty Laundry

Want to see my dirty underpants?? Sorry, I don't think they are in this video. However, an offer is in this video..

MAYBE EVEN FOR YOU????



info@ultimateofficials.com

Can You Hang? Baseball teaches Us About Hockey

www.teambeachbody.com/jbolson

And He Said, "It's 100% Mental"

This post is literally coming "hot off the press". This first weekend in May, I have been fortunate enough to attend the USA Hockey Eastern Instructors Training Seminar. I just heard a speech from a participant on the topic of "Nutrition".

The gentlemen spoke about his personal story of losing 75 pounds of fat. He got the opportunity to referee some junior hockey in his area, and he stated that he was 306 lbs. at the time.

1. He made a decision. He set a goal.
2. He committed himself to his goal, 100%, unconditionally.
3. He succeeded, because he transformed his habits.

OK, that seems logical doesn't it? Would you agree that we all know what is good for us and what is NOT good for us. I could honestly say that you probably all know enough about exercise, and the hardest part is deciding, committing, and, therefore, succeeding. Maybe you just need a kick in the rear? Maybe you just need a training partner? Maybe you just need some competition? I don't know what it is that you need to do, but I can relate to you what the guy who lost 75 lbs. did, and he was spot-on with his teaching points:

1. He involved his family. He asked them for support. Not just his wife, but his extended family as well.
2. He involved his friends. His best friend, who was also a hockey referee, was one of his supports.
3. He created a competition amongst his local association, called it "The Biggest Loser", each guy put in $10 and did a three month program to see who could lose the most weight (which he won -- $150).
4. He put his goal right in front of his face each and every day.

Ultimate Officials has the support network, the competitive aspect, and the resources for you to do the "100% Mental" things. Are you willing to decide, commit, and succeed??

MMA and Hockey -- SWAT Team and DU Team

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"