This past weekend, eighteen of Alberta’s top up and coming officials gathered for the Provincial Officials Development Camp, a multi-day immersive experience held in conjunction with Hockey Alberta’s U16 Male Development Camp.
The camp delivered a full slate of development opportunities, from on-ice techniques, fitness testing, seminars on nutrition, and career pathways. For each official, the invitation to attend marks the final step in a journey that began years ago.
“We trust them to work at the highest levels of minor hockey. What starts in their local Minor Hockey Association with grassroots training can eventually lead them to Showcases, regional camps, the Alberta Cup, and finally this summer camp, which is our last step before they move on to other opportunities within the Hockey Canada system or other branches like the Western Hockey League” explains Liam MacIsaac, Manager of Officiating at Hockey Alberta.
The camp doesn’t stop at hockey. It includes real-world goal setting, sessions on communication, personal development, and skills they can instill into the next generation, something that struck a chord with many in attendance.
For Neve Palmer, an official camp attendee, the camp was a milestone moment in her officiating journey.
“It’s a special privilege to be here,” she shared. “I didn’t know much about the camp besides how gruelling it is. But I’d heard it’s one of the best experiences, where you make memories and friendships that last throughout the province.”
Darian Hewson, an official camp attendee, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the intense learning, camaraderie, and shared goals.
“It’s not just officiating for a weekend, it’s a chance to hone your skills, compete, and push each other to get better,” he said. “We’re all striving to get to the next level and this camp is a key part of that journey.”
The success of the Officials Development Camp is built on a strong foundation of mentorship and experience. Their return as mentors highlights the strength of Hockey Alberta’s development model and reflects a core value of the program, giving back. As each generation of officials progresses, they carry forward the responsibility to support and guide the next, continuing a cycle of growth and excellence.
Jacob Hicks, an official currently working in the WHL and AHL, returned to camp not as a participant, but as a mentor.
“It’s my life’s passion,” he said. “Without the Hockey Alberta program, I definitely wouldn’t be where I’m at to be able to give back and give a few pieces of information that might help, you know, the fewer all of the officials reached those leagues in those events that they’re hoping to reach, then that makes me, you know, super happy for those guys. And that’s how the game works. That’s what the game deserves is people coming back and giving back.”
As another summer development camp wraps up, Hockey Alberta isn’t just developing great officials, they’re building a stronger game, one leader at a time.
Interested in Officiating?
Hockey Alberta offers officiating programs across the province. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to move to the next level, officiating provides a unique way to stay involved in the game and contribute to the sport in a meaningful way.
