Hockey Canada has selected six officials to participate in the Officiating Program of Excellence (OPOE) Women’s Summer Camp in St. Catharines, ON, presented by Hockey is Hers and the Hockey Canada Foundation. Officials will participate in on-ice practices, off-ice development and fitness testing, and officiate games as part of Canada's National Women’s Under-18 Team selection camp.

All six officials featured in U18 national championships during the 2022-23 season, highlighted by referees Darby Hucaluk and Alex Foreman, who were selected for the gold and bronze medal games, respectively, at the 2023 Esso Cup.

“We are excited to welcome this group to St. Catharines next month,” said Dan Hanoomansingh (Vancouver, BC), manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “These officials have been monitored through the OPOE over the last year, attending regional development camps and earning selections to national championships. The summer camp is a fantastic opportunity to prepare officials for top-level success at those U18 national championships and beyond.”

The OPOE is the pathway through which Canadian officials are selected for top national and international assignments. The objectives are to provide a clear developmental pathway for aspiring elite officials, provide developmentally appropriate coaching for elite officials, prepare officials for national and international competitions, and assist Hockey Canada in making evidence-based decisions for national and international events.

“We are very grateful for the support of the Hockey Canada Foundation in supporting and development of our women officials,” said Hanoomansingh. “It is crucial that we continue to support our officials throughout the year, with both in-person and virtual mentorship opportunities. Our volunteers are second-to-none, but the Hockey Canada Foundation makes this possible.”

The officiating coaches for the Women’s Summer Camp are Hanoomansingh, Heather Richardson (Toronto, ON), and Vanessa Stratton (Windsor, ON).

For more information about the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, visit HockeyCanada.ca/Officials.