Onward to the Olympics
With less than one month until puck drop in China, meet the three Canadian officials who will represent our country in men’s hockey at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games
Across the country, excitement is building for when Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team will take to the ice next month. In addition to those 23 players with the Maple Leaf on their chest, three Canadians have a chance to don black and white stripes in Beijing.
Mike Campbell, Olivier Gouin and Dustin McCrank have been chosen to
represent Canada at the Olympics and officiate the men’s hockey tournament.
Before the puck drops next month, get to know the trio.
Mike Campbell (Referee) Hometown: Surrey, B.C.
Campbell began officiating when he was 12 years old with the Cloverdale Minor Hockey Association and now has 20 years of experience. He currently officiates in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL). During his career, Campbell has had the opportunity to work at the IIHF World Junior Championship and IIHF U18 World Championship.
“I’ve been able to share the ice three times now in a medal game with another Canadian official, which is pretty cool,” he says. “A lot of those officials were friends before going to the tournament.”
Although he has experience at several international events, this will be Campbell’s first Olympics.
“Early on, you never really assume that you’re ever going to get to the Olympics,” he says. “It’s a proud moment. [It] kind of validates the years of dedication through junior hockey and the last few years of pro hockey, just staying with the process and knowing that this could potentially come to fruition.”
Outside of hockey, Campbell enjoys golfing, wake surfing and spending time with his young family. Although the 2022 Games may look different compared to past Olympics due to COVID-19 restrictions, Campbell says he’s looking forward to being with athletes from around the world, experiencing the high level of competition, and the camaraderie with his fellow officials.
“[I have] worked tournaments with two-thirds of the officials going that
are from outside of Canada,” he says. “Being able to go into an environment
like that gives you comfort to know that you know the other officials that
are going to be there and that you can have friends that are going.”
Olivier Gouin (Referee) Hometown: Laval, Que.
An official with 15 years of experience, Gouin currently works in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and has previously officiated AHL games. He became an official while he was a player and continued officiating after his playing career ended to stay involved in the game he loves.
“For me, it’s my favourite sport and I have the best tickets in the house,” he says. “I’m on the ice with great players, big events. We still get the adrenaline that I did when I was a player. There’s a lot of things I like about it.”
The 2022 Games will mark the second Olympics that Gouin will work, having been selected to go to PyeongChang in 2018. Gouin also participated in the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he had a unique opportunity to officiate the gold medal game between Canada and the United States.
“That was special,” he says. “It was a lot of pressure because we were four Canadian officials working a Canadian game. Also, because of COVID, there was nobody in the stands, but we knew there was a lot of people watching on TV.
“That was probably the biggest game I’ve worked in my life, to be honest.”
When he’s not at the rink, Gouin enjoys golf, video games and working out. With his second Olympic experience around the corner, he says it’s an honour to represent Hockey Canada at the event.
“It’s an accomplishment,” he says. “Just to referee hockey games where
medals are involved and players playing for their country. Emotions are
going to be so high… It’s going to be difficult, but I’m looking forward to
[being a] referee in a big stage like that.”
Dustin McCrank (Linesperson) Hometown: Guelph, Ont.
McCrank has 24 years of experience and currently officiates in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and AHL. Growing up living close to a rink, he began officiating to get more time on the ice to work on his skating and earn some money. His passion and excitement for the game has stayed with McCrank throughout his officiating journey.
“My favourite thing is probably walking into the dressing room or walking into the rink, [and] just putting my skates on,” he says. “I think that’s my favourite thing, knowing that I get to be a part of a hockey game.”
Outside of hockey, McCrank works full-time as a firefighter in Waterloo, Ont. The positions may sound very different, but McCrank has found many similarities between the two jobs.
“[In] both positions, you have to make split decisions under pressure. You’re dealing with people, using your communication skills. I would say the biggest thing is treating your body right, getting the right amount of sleep, putting the right things in your body,” he says. “Those careers really work well off each other.”
This will be the first Olympics for McCrank, and he is looking forward to seeing his fellow officials in Beijing and sharing in that camaraderie.
“It’s kind of the last feather in my cap. It’s something I kind of realized might have been able to happen about five years ago and I’ve been striving pretty hard and competing pretty hard to try and get there,” he says. “It feels amazing.”
Officials selected for U18 national club championships
28 referees and linespersons to work Esso Cup and TELUS Cup
Officials from across the country are ready to take the ice for Canada’s U18 national club championships. Twenty-eight officials – 14 referees and 14 linespersons – have been selected by Hockey Canada for the Esso Cup and TELUS Cup.
2025 Esso Cup officials
The officials for the 2025 Esso Cup in Lloydminster, Alberta, were drawn from the Women’s Officiating Program of Excellence. Officials attended development camps and received ongoing mentorship in their Member programs, and were evaluated by national officiating coaches prior to the final selection.
“The Esso Cup is a great opportunity for these officials to finish the season with a national championship,” says Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “These officials have challenged themselves throughout the season and faced stiff competition to be selected for this prestigious event.”
Referees
• Lindsey Ducharme (Hockey Alberta) • Emily Hill (Hockey Alberta) • Jenna Leighton (Hockey Nova Scotia) • Daphnée Lemay (Hockey Quebec) • Tori Pirruccio (Ontario Women’s Hockey Association) • Jillian Purcell (Hockey New Brunswick) • Kaitlyn Sauser (Hockey Saskatchewan)
Linespersons
• Megan French (Hockey Alberta) • Carley Jewell (Ontario Women’s Hockey Association) • Josée Martin (Hockey New Brunswick) • Taylor Pearson (Hockey Saskatchewan) • Leah Rideout (Hockey Nova Scotia) • Shadei Saadé (Hockey Quebec) • Coby Sullivan (Ontario Women’s Hockey Association)
The officiating coaches for the Esso Cup are Ashley Desjardins (Winnipeg, MB) and Theresa Llorente (Toronto, ON).
2025 TELUS Cup officials
The officials chosen for the 2025 TELUS Cup in Chilliwack, B.C., are part of BC Hockey’s High Performance Officiating Program. They have undergone a lengthy identification and evaluation process by BC Hockey throughout the season, with several of these officials attending Hockey Canada Officiating Program of Excellence camps.
“The TELUS Cup is a once-in-a-career opportunity for the officials of the host Member program,” says Hanoomansingh. “These officials have worked hard and competed all year from U18 AAA to Major Junior, and earned their selection to the national championship.”
Referees
• Jakob Brandstrom • Jagjit Cheema • Caden Fanshaw • Trey Hucalak • Bryce Manders • Malcolm Simpson • Kai Walsh
Linespersons
• Jeff Dayton • Ryder Fabian • Nick Gillam • Aidan Hitchmough • Isaac La Roy • Nishan Mahal • Jack McNabb
The officiating coaches for the TELUS Cup are Ron Dietterle (Aldergrove, BC) and Josh Smith (Blackfalds, AB).
Officials selected for 2025 U SPORTS hockey championships
26 officials to work men’s and women’s tournaments
Twenty-six officials – 13 referees and 13 linespersons – have been selected by Hockey Canada to work the men’s and women’s U SPORTS national championships.
The tournaments will run concurrently from March 20-23, with the men’s University Cup taking place in Ottawa, Ontario, and the Women’s Hockey Championship on the ice in Elmira, Ontario.
“Hockey Canada would like to congratulate all the officials on their selection to the USPORTS championships,” said Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “Our university championships provide top-tier competition in a challenging, single-elimination tournament. These officials are at the top of the game and continued to hone their craft throughout the season to be ready for this event.”
The on-ice officials for the U SPORTS national championships will be outfitted by FORCE Sports.
Men's University Cup (Ottawa, ON)
Maxime Bedard (Hockey Québec) – Linesperson Adam Burnett (Ontario Hockey Federation) – Linesperson Taylor Burzminski (Hockey Alberta) – Referee Dominic Cadieux (Hockey Québec) – Referee Tanner Doiron (Hockey P.E.I.) – Referee Maxime Ferland (Hockey Québec) – Linesperson Mitchell Gibbs (BC Hockey) – Linesperson Brendan Kane (Ontario Hockey Federation) – Referee Shawn Oliver (Hockey Eastern Ontario) – Linesperson Tyson Stewart (Hockey Eastern Ontario) – Referee
Women's Hockey Championship (Elmira, ON)
Grace Barlow (BC Hockey) – Referee Brandy Beecroft (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) – Referee Ali Beres (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) – Linesperson Jessica Chartrand (Hockey Québec) – Linesperson Alexandra Clarke (Hockey Saskatchewan) – Linesperson Marie-Éve Couture (Hockey Québec) – Referee Béatrice Fortin (Hockey Québec) – Referee Laura Gutauskas (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) – Linesperson Amy Laroche (BC Hockey) – Linesperson Elizabeth Mantha (Hockey Québec) – Referee Amy Martin (Hockey Manitoba) – Referee Michelle McKenna (Hockey Saskatchewan) – Referee Shauna Neary (Hockey Manitoba) – Referee Sophie Thomson (Hockey Nova Scotia) – Linesperson Justine Todd (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) – Linesperson Erin Zach (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) – Linesperson
The officiating coaches for the University Cup will be Dan Hanoomansingh (Vancouver, BC) and Kirk Wood (Cambridge, ON). The officiating coaches for the Women’s Hockey Championship will be Gabrielle Ariano-Lortie (Montréal, QC) and Vanessa Stratton (Windsor, ON).
In My Own Words: Anthony Lapointe
One of the country’s top up-and-coming linespersons talks about his unique journey in the game as a player and official, juggling school and hockey, and working with young officials
As a player and an official, I haven’t had what you would call a ‘traditional’ path in hockey.
My playing days didn’t begin until I was almost a teenager, and my time wearing the stripes stopped and started before I got onto the journey I find myself on today.
I guess I’ll start there. I work as a linesperson in a number of leagues in and around Quebec. This season, I’ve done games in the American Hockey League (AHL), ECHL, Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec (LHJAAAQ), with U SPORTS and with Hockey Lac St-Louis, my local region.
Oh, and I serve as referee-in-chief of the AHM de Mont-Royal/Outremont, working with young officials.
And did I mention I’m a full-time student, finishing my degree in physical education at McGill University?
It’s a lot, but I love the game.
As I said earlier, I got into the game late. Growing up in Montreal, I watched PK Subban on TV and wanted to be just like him. I knew I wasn’t going to actually make it to the NHL, but I wanted to get on the ice and see where the game would take me. More than anything, I just wanted to have fun.
I was already an active kid. I was always outside, always playing games, but never anything too organized, outside of a couple years of soccer. In school, I lived for sports. I’d make sure I was on every single extracurricular team there was. And I’d be at school all day; from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., I’d be in class. And then from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., I’d be playing sports.
Finally, when I was 12, my mom agreed to sign me up for minor hockey.
I’m pretty sure I was late for my first tryouts, so I just ended up on a random team, but I loved it. I never played too competitive, never got to AAA or anything like that, but I was just happy to be playing.
Shortly after I started playing, my dad left. So, it was just the five of us – my mom, myself and my three siblings. Money was tight. But my mom kept me in hockey. She kept all of us in the things we loved. She always put her children first, and made sure we had what we wanted.
If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Heck, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t even know how to skate!
So… Mom, if you’re reading this, thank you. You are the reason I am here today. I love you.
I played minor hockey through to U18, and I thought my playing career was done at that point. Until I got a phone call from the coach at Cégep André-Laurendeau, asking if I wanted to join the college team. I was surprised, because I had never considered collegiate hockey, but I had a buddy on the team who recommended me.
It was already December, and the season was two months old, but I was on the ice the next day and quickly found myself a member of the Boomerang. That was my home for the next two years.
When that chapter was complete, I knew I wanted to stay involved in the game. I wanted to be active, wanted to be on the ice.
My coach told me he knew a guy if I ever wanted to be an official, so I thought… why not?
I did say earlier that my officiating career stopped and started. I actually got my start as an official when I was 16. But at that point, I didn’t want to work the two-man system and do U11 and U13 games. It wasn’t for me.
Fast forward four or five years, and it was a different story. The guy my coach knew was Doug Hayward, who has spent decades involved in officiating in Quebec. He’s has earned provincial and national recognition working with young officials, so when he spoke, I listened.
I decided to give it a real go this time.
It didn’t take long to realize officiating was something I was good at, and something that could be more than – as I considered it – a great way to serve the game and stay physically active. I was working AAA games my first year, and after that first year I got the call to go to the NHL Officiating Exposure Combine. Then I got hired in the QMJHL. Then I got hired in the AHL. Then I got hired in the ECHL. I was like, “Okay, this happening.”
Last season, I started to get more attention nationally and internationally. I attended the provincial Member camp in Quebec, and got an invite to the National High Performance Officiating Camp in Calgary, just about a year ago.
I’ve worked the TELUS Cup, Junior A World Challenge, Centennial Cup and Hlinka Gretzky Cup, working with some of the best officials from across the country. That kind of experience only makes me better on and off the ice.
Hockey Canada helped me get my B license with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), and that led to my first-ever international assignment – the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, Division 2A in Dumfries, Scotland.
That was a crazy experience. I spent the first three days just watching, because my luggage didn’t show up. I flew Montreal-Paris-Amsterdam-Edinburgh, and my connection in Paris was only 45 minutes. It’s a huge airport, so I had a feeling my luggage wasn’t making it.
But it was a really nice event. When you work IIHF events, you get to meet new people and you create friendships. We were 11 officials over there, and there are three or four that I still talk to on a regular basis. I’m excited to do more events like that in the future.
The question I get a lot is: How? How do I juggle officiating and school, along with everyday life?
I’d say it’s easier now than it was a few years ago. When I started officiating, I didn’t really know what was going on, so I’d bring my laptop to the rink. I’d show up half an hour early just to finish my work. And then when I got back home after hockey, I’d hop back on the computer and finish my assignments.
I just always have my computer when I travel. If I take a plane, which I do usually once a month, I’ll show up an hour earlier and just do some work to make sure it’s done.
Most of my teachers are understanding. There has definitely been some hockey that I have had to miss out on because I had to be in class, but for most of the part there has been a good balance.
Sleep has taken a bit of a hit, because I’ll either stay up really late or get up really early to finish some work because I know I’m travelling four or five hours for a game. The last thing I want to do when I get home at two in the morning is homework. So, I’ll sleep four or five hours, wake up early, finish my work and then submit it. I’ve made it work, and I’m almost done!
As exciting as being on the ice in some of the best leagues in the world is, there’s something special about working with the young officials with the AHM de Mont-Royal/Outremont.
There are two things I tell young officials:
Number one, you have to make sure you’re having fun. If you’re not having fun, this is not for you, and I won’t take it personally if you don’t want to officiate anymore.
Number two, everybody is human. It’s normal to make mistakes. I’m officiating at the professional level, but that doesn’t mean I don’t make a mistake. But you need to acknowledge your mistakes and learn from your mistakes to get better.
When I go to rinks to supervise, the officials get so stressed whenever they see me walk in the building. So, the first thing I do is tell them, “Let’s relax here. I’m not here to judge you. I’m here to help you.”
Before I wrap up, I just wanted to reiterate that I’m extremely lucky to be in the position I’m in, and I don’t take it for granted. It’s hard to believe I’ve only been an official for four years.
But it’s all about the love of the game, as I’ve mentioned a couple times.
The official may be the “law and order” on the ice, but I really do go out there with a smile on my face and try to make friends. I don’t want to make enemies. Whenever I have an opportunity to shoot a joke, I’ll take it. I’ll see a player, I’ll make a joke and we’ll build off of that.
The next time we’re on the ice together, I’m happy to see them and hopefully they’re happy to see me too.
Just like I tell my officials … if you’re not having fun, this probably isn’t for you!
Hockey Canada and Force Sports launch The First Whistle program
In partnership with Force Sports, the new initiative looks to reduce entry barriers for officials
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada and Force Sports have announced The First Whistle, a new program designed to reduce barriers to entry for officials, including for women and individuals from underrepresented communities.
Primarily targeting newly certified officials, the program looks to increase registrations by using jerseys loaned to approved minor hockey associations and limiting the cost barriers for prospective officials.
“Officiating is such a tremendous way for participants of all ages to be involved in hockey and we recognize that across the country, there are existing barriers impacting entry-level opportunities for interested officials,” said Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating for Hockey Canada. “In partnership with Force Sports, we hope that The First Whistle can help minor hockey associations recruit more officials and ultimately create lifelong engagement with hockey for participants in the program, which will benefit Hockey Canada, our Members and participants.”
“Through this program and our partnership with Hockey Canada, Force Sports hopes to reduce the barriers to entry for those wanting to try officiating,” said Dave Martin, president of Force Sports.
More information about the Hockey Canada Officiating Program can be found here.
To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
Officials licensed for IIHF championships in 2024-25
47 Canadian officials set for international competition around the world this season
Canadian officials are ready to hit the world stage.
Forty-seven officials – 24 referees and 23 linespersons – have been licensed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) for international competition during the 2024-25 season. Specific assignments for these officials will be announced by the IIHF throughout the season.
“We are always proud of our officials who represent Canada at the international level,” said Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “The opportunity to participate in international competition is a career highlight for officials. Every Canadian official who is licensed by the IIHF competes for years to earn that opportunity and once they have, there’s someone trying to take their spot. The achievements of these officials are a credit to themselves, as well as their Member programs, who aided in their development.”
The list is headlined by the officials on the IIHF’s Road to Milano program, as they compete for an assignment to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Canada’s representatives include referees Jenn Berezowski, Michael Campbell, Brandy Dewar, Mike Langin, Élizabeth Mantha, Amy Martin, Michelle McKenna and Shauna Neary, as well as linespersons Jessica Chartrand, Alexandra Clarke, Laura Gutauskas, Justine Todd, Tarrington Wyonzek and Erin Zach.
Additionally, eight officials have received their first license and will look to make their international debuts this season: referees Danny Emerson, Adam Forbes, Audrey-Anne Girard and Ty Skene, and linespersons Pierre-Olivier Couture, Nathan Howes, Amy Laroche and Brennan Walker.
Departing from the IIHF list ahead of the season are officials Brayden Arcand (Hockey Alberta), Chad Huseby (Hockey Alberta), Danika Kroeker (BC Hockey) and Brett Mackey (BC Hockey).
“We congratulate these officials on their successes at the international level,” said Hanoomansingh. “For years, these officials were the standard-bearers for the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, the ones who young officials strived to emulate. To those officials who will continue to officiate in leagues across the country, we thank them for their continued service to officiating in Canada. To those who are stepping off the ice and into the next chapter of their lives, we wish them all the best.”
CANADIAN OFFICIALS LICENCED FOR INTERNATIONAL EVENTS FOR 2024-25 SEASON
| Referees | |
|---|---|
| Name (Member) | Event (Location) |
| Grace Barlow (BC Hockey) | -- |
| Jennifer Berezowski (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) | -- |
| Adam Bloski (Hockey Saskatchewan) | -- |
| Taylor Burzminski (Hockey Alberta) | -- |
| Dominic Cadieux (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Michael Campbell (BC Hockey) | Olympic Qualification, Group D (Bratislava, SVK) |
| Marie-Ève Couture (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Brandy Dewar (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) | -- |
| Tanner Doiron (Hockey PEI) | -- |
| Danny Emerson (Ontario Hockey Federation) | -- |
| Adam Forbes (Hockey Saskatchewan) | -- |
| Béatrice Fortin (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Audrey-Anne Girard (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Jesse Gour (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Mike Langin (BC Hockey) | Olympic Qualification, Group E (Riga, LAT) |
| Cianna Lieffers (Hockey Saskatchewan) | -- |
| Élizabeth Mantha (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Amy Martin (Hockey Manitoba) | -- |
| Michelle McKenna (Hockey Saskatchewan) | -- |
| Troy Murray (Hockey Saskatchewan) | -- |
| Shauna Neary (Hockey Nova Scotia) | -- |
| Mark Pearce (BC Hockey) | -- |
| Ty Skene (Hockey Saskatchewan) | -- |
| Tyson Stewart (Hockey Eastern Ontario) | -- |
| Linespersons | |
| Name (Hometown) | Event (Location) |
| Nick Albinati (BC Hockey) | -- |
| Maxime Bédard (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Ali Beres (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) | -- |
| Brian Birkhoff (Ontario Hockey Federation) | -- |
| Jessica Chartrand (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Alexandra Clarke (Hockey Saskatchewan) | -- |
| Pierre-Olivier Couture (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Joanie Duchesneau (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Jérémy Faucher (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Maxime Ferland (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Stéphanie Gagnon (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Mitchell Gibbs (BC Hockey) | -- |
| Laura Gutauskas (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) | -- |
| Nathan Howes (BC Hockey) | -- |
| Anthony Lapointe (Hockey Quebec) | -- |
| Shawn Oliver (Hockey Eastern Ontario) | -- |
| Melissa Pateman (BC Hockey) | -- |
| Sophie Thomson (Hockey Nova Scotia) | -- |
| Justine Todd (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) | -- |
| Brennan Walker (BC Hockey) | -- |
| Tarrington Wyonzek (Hockey Saskatchewan) | -- |
| Erin Zach (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) | -- |
As part of the IIHF program for the 2024-25 season, 12 officials – six referees and six linespersons – will participate in the IIHF’s From Good to Great program this season. This program is in its inaugural season and is designed for individuals who have been identified by national associations as future top international officials.
“This is a fantastic initiative from the IIHF and we are thrilled for our officials who will participate,” said Hanoomansingh. “It is always an adjustment for officials when they progress from the national to the international level. However, this program will provide an opportunity for our officials to be introduced to the expectations of the international game, so that when they receive their first assignment, they can achieve immediate success.”
| Name (Member) | Role |
| Gillian Allan (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) | Linesperson |
| Jodi Anderson (Hockey Manitoba) | Linesperson |
| Tara Benard-Rae (Ontario Women's Hockey Association) | Referee |
| Mathieu Boudreau (Hockey Quebec) | Referee |
| Adam Burnett (Ontario Hockey Federation) | Linesperson |
| Cynthia Côté (Hockey Manitoba) | Referee |
| Elizabeth Dornstauder (Hockey Saskatchewan) | Referee |
| Nick Grenier (Hockey Manitoba) | Linesperson |
| Chad Ingalls (Ontario Hockey Federation) | Referee |
| William Kelly (Hockey Quebec) | Referee |
| Josh Miko (Hockey Manitoba) | Linesperson |
| Luke Pye (Hockey Saskatchewan) | Linesperson |
Four Canadians will also work as part of the IIHF officiating coaching staff this season: Todd Anderson, Greg Kimmerly, Kevin Muench and Vanessa Stratton.
The Hockey Canada Officiating Program is for anyone who is interested in officiating, from the grassroots to the international game. Hockey Canada's 13 Members provide a path for anyone to participate in officiating, develop a love for the game and achieve their goals. For more information about the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, visit HockeyCanada.ca/Officials.
Management group additions announced for 4 Nations Face-Off
Julien BriseBois to serve as assistant general manager; Kyle Dubas named director of player personnel
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that a pair of veteran National Hockey League (NHL) general managers have been added to its management group for the 4 Nations Face-Off, set for Feb. 12-20 in Montréal, Québec, and Boston, Massachusetts.
Two-time Stanley Cup champion Julien BriseBois (Greenfield Park, QC/Tampa Bay, NHL) will make his international management debut as assistant general manager, while Kyle Dubas (Sault Ste. Marie, ON/Pittsburgh, NHL), who served as associate GM at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, has been named director of player personnel alongside general manager Don Sweeney (St. Stephen, NB/Boston, NHL) and associate GM Jim Nill (Hanna, AB/Dallas, NHL).
In addition, BriseBois and Dubas have been named to Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team management group as assistant general manager and director of player personnel, respectively. They will work alongside GM Doug Armstrong (Sarnia, ON/St. Louis, NHL) and assistant general managers Sweeney and Nill, as well as player relations advisor Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK/Anaheim, NHL) and Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. Katherine Henderson (Thunder Bay, ON), Hockey Canada’s president and chief executive officer, and Pat McLaughlin (Saint John, NB), chief operating officer and executive vice-president of strategy, will also provide support as part of the executive committee preparing for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
“Julien and Kyle are accomplished NHL general managers, and I am excited to welcome them to our management group for both the 4 Nations Face-Off and Olympics, as I believe they will be strong assets to a well-rounded management team,” Armstrong said. “Both Julien and Kyle have enjoyed long and successful careers, and we believe their experience and knowledge of NHL players will be a great addition to our staff as we continue to evaluate Canadian players and build rosters for international competition.”
BriseBois has been the general manager and vice-president of hockey operations with the Tampa Bay Lightning for six seasons (2018-24), winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. Previously, he served as assistant general manager of Tampa Bay (2010-18) and general manager of the Syracuse Crunch and Norfolk Admirals (2010-19) of the American Hockey League (AHL), winning the Calder Cup in 2012. He also spent time with the Montréal Canadiens, serving as vice-president of hockey operations (2006-10), director of hockey operations (2003-06) and director of legal affairs (2001-03), and was also the general manager of the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs (2007-10), winning the Calder Cup in 2007.
Dubas is entering his second season as general manager and president of hockey operations with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Previously, he spent nine seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, serving five seasons (2018-23) as general manager, becoming the second-youngest GM in NHL history. He also spent four seasons (2014-18) as assistant general manager and GM of the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL), leading the team to its first Calder Cup championship in 2018. Dubas started his front-office career with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), serving four seasons (2003-07) as a scout and three seasons (2011-14) as general manager.
“Jim and I are thrilled to have Julien and Kyle join our management group for the 4 Nations Face-Off, and to work alongside them as we prepare for the Olympics,” Sweeney said. “Both are successful NHL general managers that bring a wealth of knowledge, many years of experience at the professional level and great leadership skills that will be beneficial to our coaches, support staff and players.”
Canada will open the 4 Nations Face-Off against Sweden on Feb. 12, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT at the Bell Centre in Montréal. It will also take on the United States on Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT in Montréal and Finland on Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT at TD Garden in Boston before the tournament concludes with the championship game on Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT in Boston.
The full roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off will be announced between Nov. 29-Dec. 2, while the assistant coaches and support staff will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information on the 4 Nations Face-Off, please visit the official tournament page.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Jon Cooper named head coach for 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and 2026 Olympic Winter Games
Tampa Bay Lightning head coach returns to Team Canada for first time since 2017
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that veteran National Hockey League (NHL) head coach Jon Cooper (Prince George, BC/Tampa Bay, NHL) will lead Canada at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
The Tampa Bay Lightning bench boss and longest-tenured active head coach in the NHL will make his return to the Team Canada bench for the first time since 2017, when he led Canada’s National Men’s Team to a silver medal at the 2017 IIHF World Championship.
Cooper was selected by Doug Armstrong (Sarnia, ON/St. Louis, NHL), management group lead for Canada’s National Men’s Team and general manager for the 2026 Olympics, as well as Don Sweeney (St. Stephen, NB/Boston, NHL) and Jim Nill (Hanna, AB/Dallas, NHL), who make up the management group for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and 2026 Olympics. Player relations advisor Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK/Anaheim, NHL) and Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, along with Katherine Henderson (Thunder Bay, ON), Hockey Canada’s president and chief executive officer, and Pat McLaughlin (Saint John, NB), chief operating officer and executive vice-president of strategy, also provided input as part of the executive committee preparing for the 2026 Olympics.
“Jon is a world-class person, coach and leader, and his impressive resume and success in the NHL make him the perfect person to lead Team Canada over the next two years at the 4 Nations Face-Off and 2026 Olympic Winter Games,” Armstrong said. “Our management group knows that Jon will represent our country with pride while bringing his winning pedigree to the international stage, and we look forward to working with him as we build teams with the best NHL players in Canada at two marquee events.”
Cooper recently completed his 12th season as head coach of the Lightning, and is the franchise’s all-time leader in regular season games coached (879), regular season wins (480), playoff games coached (139) and playoff wins (84). During his time with the Lightning, he has led the team to 10 playoff appearances, one Presidents’ Trophy (2018-19) and four Stanley Cup Finals (2015, 2020, 2021, 2022), winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. Prior to joining Tampa Bay, he spent two seasons (2010-12) with the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL), winning the Calder Cup and AHL Coach of the Year Award in 2011-12, and part of one season with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch. Internationally, in addition to his silver medal in 2017, he served as an assistant coach with Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He was also announced as head coach of Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team for the 2022 Olympics if NHL players participated.
The first six players for the 4 Nations Face-Off are expected to be announced in late June, while additional announcements regarding Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team will be made at a later date.
The 4 Nations Face-Off is a new international event that will feature NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States. The seven-game event will take place Feb. 12-20 at the Bell Centre in Montréal, Québec, home of the Montréal Canadiens, and TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, home of the Boston Bruins.
For more information on Hockey Canada, Canada’s National Men’s Team and Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Management group named for 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off
Don Sweeney to serve as general manager alongside associate GM Jim Nill
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that two veteran National Hockey League (NHL) general managers will lead Canada at the inaugural NHL 4 Nations Face-Off next February.
Don Sweeney (St. Stephen, NB/Boston, NHL) will make his international management debut as general manager, working alongside associate general manager Jim Nill (Hanna, AB/Dallas, NHL), who will return to Canada’s management group for the first time since 2015.
In addition, Sweeney and Nill have been named assistant general managers of Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. They will work alongside Doug Armstrong (Sarnia, ON/St. Louis, NHL), who was named general manager in March.
The management group was selected by Armstrong, who serves as management group lead for Canada’s National Men’s Team, player relations advisor Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK/Anaheim, NHL) and Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. Katherine Henderson (Thunder Bay, ON), Hockey Canada’s president and chief executive officer, and Pat McLaughlin (Saint John, NB), chief operating officer and executive vice-president of strategy, also provided input as part of the executive committee preparing for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
“As we continue to prepare for international competition over the next two years, I am thrilled to have Don and Jim lead Team Canada at the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, and to welcome these two experienced general managers to our management group for the 2026 Olympics,” Armstrong said. “Both Don and Jim have enjoyed successful NHL careers and will represent the Maple Leaf with pride, and we know their experience will be a valuable asset as we build teams for two major international events in 2025 and 2026.”
Sweeney is in his ninth season (2015-24) as general manager of the Boston Bruins, winning the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award in 2018-19 and leading the team to eight-consecutive playoff appearances and two Presidents’ Trophies (2020, 2023). He also served six seasons (2009-15) as assistant general manager, three seasons as director of player development (2006-09) and two seasons (2007-09) as director of hockey operations with the Bruins. As an executive, Sweeney has helped lead the Bruins to the Stanley Cup Final three times (2011, 2013, 2019), winning the Stanley Cup in 2011. He also served one season (2014-15) as general manager of the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL), and was announced as an assistant general manager of Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team for the 2022 Olympics if NHL players participated. As a player, he played in 1,115 NHL games over 16 seasons with the Bruins and Dallas Stars, appearing in the Stanley Cup Final with the Bruins in 1990, and won a gold medal with Canada at the 1997 IIHF World Championship.
Nill has served as the general manager of the Dallas Stars for the past 11 seasons (2013-24), winning GM of the Year in 2022-23 and leading the team to seven playoff appearances and the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. He also spent 19 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, serving as assistant general manager (1998-2013) and director of player development (1994-98), helping lead Detroit to the Stanley Cup Final six times (1995, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008, 2009), winning the Stanley Cup four times (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008). Nill was also the GM of the AHL’s Adirondack Red Wings for one season (1988-89), leading the team to a Calder Cup championship, and a professional scout with the Ottawa Senators for three seasons (1991-94). Internationally, he has served as director of player personnel (2003) and general manager (2004, 2015) of Canada’s National Men’s Team at the IIHF World Championship, winning gold in 2004 and 2015. As a player, Nill played 524 career NHL games, played in the Stanley Cup Final with the Vancouver Canucks in 1982, suited up for Canada’s National Men’s Team during the 1979-80 season and wore the Maple Leaf at the 1980 Olympic Winter Games.
The coaching staff and first six players for the 2025 NHL Four Nations Face-Off are expected to be announced in June, while additional announcements regarding Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team will be made at a later date.
The 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off is a new international event that will feature NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States. The event will take place in two North American cities – one in Canada and one in the United States – in February 2025 and will consist of seven games played with NHL rules.
For more information on Hockey Canada, Canada’s National Men’s Team and Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Clarke continues to climb the ranks
From small-town Drake to the Olympic Winter Games, Alex Clarke has broken barriers and inspired young officials on what has been a unique hockey journey
If it wasn’t for a disgruntled cow, Alex Clarke might not have become one of the best and most respected officials in the world.
It was the spring of 2015 and Clarke (then going by her maiden name, Alex Blair) had just been drafted 53rd overall by the Calgary Inferno of the now-defunct Canadian Women’s Hockey League when was she kicked by a cow on her family farm, resulting in a lingering knee injury.
"I wasn't able to properly train throughout the summer. So, the decision was kind of made for me not to go to [Inferno training] camp and try out that fall,” recalls Clarke, who played three seasons with the Weyburn Gold Wings of the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League (SFU18AAAHL) before playing NCAA Division III hockey at the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota.
But when the door on Clarke's playing career closed, another opened.
"I knew I wanted to stay involved in hockey," she recalls. "I had previously thought that maybe coaching was a good avenue for me, but at the time I was 22 years old and my personality just doesn't fit well with standing on a bench and being tied to a team schedule. So, I ended up pursuing officiating instead."
Since then, Clarke has skyrocketed through the officiating ranks. A native of Drake, Saskatchewan (population 197), she has worked in her home province in the SFU18AAAHL and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), nationally at the Esso Cup and internationally at the IIHF Women's World Championship.
In 2021 she became the first woman to officiate in the Western Hockey League (she also was the first woman to work a WHL game as a referee earlier this season) and on Dec. 5, 2021 she became the first woman to work a game in the American Hockey League.
“My love for the game is what inspires me to get out there,” Clarke says about being an official. “It's a place where I get to go and forget about everything else that’s going on. I get to have fun. I get to be with friends.
“Since I've had success, and I've been a little bit more recognized, it means a lot more to me to go out there and know that I'm somebody that people see as a trailblazer as the only female in certain leagues.”
The past few years in particular have been quiet the ride for Clarke, who reached the pinnacle of international hockey when she worked as a linesperson at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, and earlier this year she began calling games in the new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Most recently, she officiated the PWHL 3-on-3 Showcase during the NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto.
“It’s felt natural,” Clarke says of her progression as an official. “Aside from the 2021-22 season where I jumped around lot of leagues at the same time, its very similar to being a player. Being scouted [and] evaluated, and when I was ready to be put into the next level, I was ready and determined to be capable. I’ve had a lot of good experiences and never felt like I was over my head.”
Inspiring the next generation
While her pathway to becoming an official was a certainly unique, Clarke says she wouldn’t have chosen any other scenario.
“[When I was looking into getting into officiating,]Hockey Saskatchewan was really good,” Clarke recalls. “They welcomed me with open arms. After knowing my hockey background, they invited me to a referee camp and when I arrived, they were so welcoming and immediately felt like part of the family.”
As an official, Clarke hopes to show that there are many pathways to being involved in hockey and she hopes to have the opportunity to mentor more young officials.
“Anybody that’s looking to get into officiating, I would say go into it with open eyes and an open perspective,” Clarke says. “I went in for the love of the game and the desire to improve and take feedback, and it’s probably going to take you places that you probably didn’t expect.”
With the growth of women’s hockey over the last few years, Clarke has realized the importance of being a role model on the ice, even as an official. Clarke believes the added spotlight on women’s hockey thanks to the PWHL is making a huge difference.
“I have a four-and-a-half-year-old daughter, and she’s really starting to be impressionable,” says Clarke, who also has a young son. “This season, I brought the family with me to the NHL All-Star Game, and to see her reaction and having her talk about Natalie Spooner and Sarah Nurse, she wants to be around hockey. She has so much more interest and investment in it because she’s seeing other women as great examples.
“I think it just resonates with a lot of people and little girls and boys are now able to see women and moms and full-grown adults out on the ice and in the arenas, you just get a sense of equality for everybody to achieve those goals.”
As more and more leagues, such as the AHL, include women officials, Clarke hopes to continue the push for women to take the next step. With her experience at NHL All-Star Weekend, Clarke believes we could be seeing women referees in NHL games soon.
“Getting a female into the NHL, it may be two years away, it may be 10 years away, but if I can help play a role in getting a female there, whether that’s me or somebody I can mentor and develop and inspire to take that next step, I think that’s helping progress female officials as a whole, I’m looking to have an impact on the next generation.”
Aside from that, Clarke’s long-term goal is to be at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan, Italy. But for now, her eyes are set on the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championships in Utica, New York.
“I want to earn a spot to be in the gold medal game,” Clarke says. “We as officials are competing out there and we want to earn that gold medal spot too. Ultimately, I want to have fun and better myself and the people around me.”
Doug Armstrong named general manager for 2026 Olympic Winter Games
Veteran GM to serve as management group lead for Canada’s National Men’s Team over next two seasons; Ryan Getzlaf, Scott Salmond among executive committee members
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that Doug Armstrong (Sarnia, ON/St. Louis, NHL) will serve as general manager of Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, and as management group lead for Canada’s National Men’s Team, overseeing the appointment of management groups that will lead Team Canada at various events over the next two seasons.
In preparation for the 2026 Olympics, Armstrong will serve on an executive committee with Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK/Anaheim, NHL), who will serve as player relations advisor, Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, Katherine Henderson (Thunder Bay, ON), president and chief executive officer, and Pat McLaughlin (Saint John, NB), chief operating officer and executive vice-president of strategy.
Armstrong will oversee Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off and 2025 IIHF World Championship, appointing and working with Canadian general managers and executives to help build Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team for the 2026 Olympics. Getzlaf will work directly with Armstrong and Salmond, acting as a liaison between athletes, the executive committee and management groups for the four upcoming events, ensuring consistency between teams, athletes and staff.
“There is a wealth of experienced and successful Canadian executives throughout the NHL, and we believe Doug is the best person to lead our National Men’s Team and build our management groups from a talented pool of executives at each event leading up to and including the 2026 Olympics,” McLaughlin said. “Doug and Ryan both bring accomplished careers and many years of NHL and international experience to Hockey Canada, and Scott has been instrumental in the success of Canada’s national teams at all levels for more than 20 years.
“We know all three individuals will be invaluable pieces of our executive committee as we build teams that will make Canadians proud over the next two years. Wearing the Maple Leaf is an honour and a privilege, and our executive committee is committed to ensuring our players and staff are supported on and off the ice to achieve continued success, while upholding the character and values that Canadians expect of our organization and teams.”
Armstrong has won two Olympic gold medals as a member of the management group with Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team (2010, 2014), as well as the 2016 World Cup of Hockey championship as general manager. He was also announced as general manager of Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team for the 2022 Olympics if NHL players participated. Armstrong has won gold medals at the IIHF World Championship in 2007 (special assistant), 2016 (senior advisor) and 2023 (general manager), and silver in 2008 (assistant general manager) and 2009 (general manager). He was also part of the Worlds staff in 2002 and 2013. Armstrong is in his 14th season (2010-24) as general manager of the St. Louis Blues, also serving as president of hockey operations, winning the Stanley Cup in 2019 and the NHL GM of the Year Award in 2011-12. He recently became the 11th NHL general manager to record 800 career wins, and is the second-fastest to reach 800 win milestone. Armstrong previously spent 16 years (1992-2008) with the Dallas Stars, winning the Stanley Cup as assistant general manager in 1999.
Getzlaf is set to make his international management debut after a 17-year playing career with the Anaheim Ducks (2005-22), with whom he served as captain for 12 seasons (2010-22) and won the Stanley Cup in 2007. Getzlaf appeared in 1,157 NHL games, recording 1,019 points (282 goals, 737 assists), appearing in three NHL All-Star Games (2008, 2009, 2015). Internationally, he won gold medals at the 2003 IIHF World U18 Championship, 2005 IIHF World Junior Championship, and 2010 and 2014 Olympic Winter Games, in addition to the2016 World Cup of Hockey. Getzlaf also won silver at the 2004 World Juniors and 2008 IIHF World Championship, suited up at the 2002 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and captained Team Canada at the 2012 Worlds. He is in his first season as player development coordinator with Anaheim.
Salmond was promoted to senior vice-president of hockey operations with Hockey Canada in 2018 after serving as vice-president of national teams for four years. In this position, Salmond oversees all operations for Canada’s men’s, women’s and para hockey teams. He has helped lead Canada to gold medals at two Olympic Winter Games (2010, 2014), six IIHF World Championships (2003, 2004, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2023), seven IIHF World Junior Championships (2007, 2008, 2009, 2015, 2018, 2022, 2023), two IIHF U18 World Championships (2013, 2021), one IPC World Para Hockey Championship (2017) and one Paralympic Winter Games (2006), as well as a World Cup of Hockey championship (2016) and a Spengler Cup three-peat (2015, 2016, 2017). Salmond joined Hockey Canada in 2001 and has held increasingly senior high-performance roles during his tenure with the organization.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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