December 19, 2003
NR.119

TWO CANADIAN ON-ICE OFFICIALS NAMED FOR 2004
IIHF WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP

CALGARY, ALBERTA – Two Canadian on-ice officials have been named by the IIHF to work at the 2004 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Helsinki and Hameenlinna, Finland from December 26, 2003 to January 6, 2004, Hockey Canada announced on Friday.

The two Hockey Canada officials selected by the IIHF are:
• Derek Herman Edmonton, AB Referee HCOP Level VI
• Derrick Doucette Saint John, NB Linesman HCOP Level V

The IIHF selected the two candidates from a list that Hockey Canada provided to the IIHF, based on their experience and qualifications. The two Canadian officials will be joined by 16 other officials from around the World.

Hockey Canada’s Officiating Program is for any individual interested in officiating the game of hockey, from beginners to seasoned veterans. There are six levels in the Officiating program, from those getting started at Level I to the top tier of officials, Level 6.

The lower levels are designed to get individuals started in officiating, while the higher levels are open to officials who have advanced and have shown potential to work the top leagues and elite hockey events in Canada and internationally.

A number of Canadian officials selected over the years to work at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship have gone on to NHL careers. Canada’s list of WJHC officials alumni includes current NHL officials: Blaine Angus, Lonnie Cameron, Ryan Galloway, Mike Hasenfratz, Marc Joanette, Tom Kowal, Chris Lee, Brad Meier, Vaughn Rody, Jay Sharrers, Kelly Sutherland and Brad Watson.

This year, there are over 32,000 on-ice officials working hockey games at all levels throughout Canada.