SUDBURY – The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League has announced that they have reached an agreement with the National Hockey League to work in conjunction with them in terms of officiating development, effective immediately.
As part of the agreement with the NOJHL, the NHL will work with league officials as well as provide selected referees and linesmen the opportunity to work games in the league as part of the NHL’s Officiating Development Program in progressing new officials to the next level.
“One of the primary goals of the NOJHL is development, be it players, coaches, staff members and officials,” stated NOJHL Commissioner Robert Mazzuca.
“This agreement with the National Hockey League to work in conjunction with our own officiating program is a tremendous opportunity for the NOJHL as we continually strive for the betterment of the game in all areas,” offered Mazzuca.
“We are extremely grateful to the NHL for their efforts in helping get this agreement off the ground and we look forward to working with them for years to come,” added the NOJHL Commissioner.
For their part, the NHL is pleased to work with the NOJHL in this development program.
“I believe the opportunity that the NOJHL has opened up to these Combine Officials and is giving them an opportunity to work at the highest level so far in their short career,” stated NHL Senior Vice-President and Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom.
Commissioner Mazzuca has made his league available to our Combine Officials, who need the experience at this competitive level to help further their progress”, Walkom also added.
“I wish to thank Commissioner Mazzuca for his openness in allowing this program to move forward in this league and his continued work in the NOJHL to aid in the improvement of officiating.”
NHL senior officiating manager, development of officials & scouting Bob Hall echoed the sentiments of Walkom on this endeavour.
“I would like to commend Commissioner Mazzuca and the NOJHL for their commitment in developing young new officials from the NHL Officials Combine,” said Hall.
“The opportunity being provided to them, will be an integral part of their development as officials while creating a new option for those who would like to stay in the game at an elite level.”
