CALGARY, ALBERTA - Twenty-four Canadian officials and two international delegates will attend the Hockey Canada Level VI Officiating Seminar November 5-9, 2003 in Saskatoon, SK, Hockey Canada announced on Monday.

The seminar prepares these top officials for National Championship finals and designated IIHF competitions (i.e. Memorial Cup, Royal Bank Cup, Allan Cup, Hardy Cup, University Cup, World Championships, Olympics). Level VI is the top level of officiating in Canada and is required to officiate in a National Championship final and designated IIHF competitions.

"Canada has always been a top provider of quality level of officials throughout the World," said Maurice Roy, Referee-in-Chief with Hockey Canada. "This begins with the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, an instructional program that is the leader of other hockey nations around the world."

Level VI seminars are held based on a national need for Level VI officials. The last Hockey Canada Level VI Officiating Seminar was held in Halifax in 2001. The Hockey Canada Interim Manager, Officiating, Todd Anderson, and the Hockey Canada Referee-in-Chief Maurice Roy, are responsible for the organization of the site and program, establishing criteria and reviewing the candidates’ qualifications.

Candidates on hand were nominated by the Hockey Canada Branches and are already fully certified Level V officials. An established selection committee reviewed all the candidates and selected those that will be in attendance in Saskatoon.

The instruction will be handled by, among others, Hockey Canada Referee-in-Chief Maurice Roy, Hockey Canada Interim Manager, Officiating Todd Anderson, former QMJHL Referee-in Chief Doug Hayward and Hockey Canada Referee Committee members Vernon Doyle and Kevin Muench. Guest instructors, including Andy Van Hellemond (Director of Officiating, NHL) and Dave Smith (NHL Officials Fitness and Conditioning Coordinator), will also be making presentations throughout the seminar.

Twenty-six officials, including four female hockey officials and 2 international delegates, will participate in the five day seminar. There are approximately 70 active Level VI officials registered annually in Canada. Delegates for this seminar are:

To reach a participant or an instructor during the Hockey Canada Level VI Officiating Seminar, please contact Todd Anderson at the Radisson Hotel (405 20th St. East, Saskatoon, SK) or at (403) 880-5825. Prior to the seminar, Todd Anderson can be reached at 403-777-3636.