Hockey Alberta’s 2026 Officials Summer School kicked off in Edmonton on August 8–9, bringing together 30 officials for two days focused on development, learning, and preparation for the upcoming season.
Designed for officials looking to expand their skills and continue progressing through the Hockey Alberta Officials Development Pathway, the camp provided a unique opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and connect with fellow officials from across Alberta.
“This camp continues to be in high demand and this year we had around 200 officials apply for a spot. What’s really exciting is that we’re seeing officials come back year after year because they continue to find value in the experience. Every year, there’s something new to learn, whether that’s from our instructors, the other officials in the room or the on-ice sessions. We want officials to leave the camp feeling like they’ve developed their skills, challenged themselves, and have new goals to work toward for the upcoming season.” Said Liam MacIsaac, Hockey Alberta’s Manager of Officiating.
A special thank you to Dylan Leaney, Camp Coordinator, and instructors Jacob Hicks, Jesse Wood-Schatz, and Brandon Peterson for helping make the camp a success. Their experience officiating at the elite levels of hockey, including the AJHL, WHL and AHL, provided participants with a valuable opportunity to learn from officials who have experience navigating the next levels of the officiating pathway. Their insight, knowledge, and experience gave officials a better understanding of what it takes to continue developing and advancing in their officiating careers.
Throughout the two day camp, officials took part in a combination of on ice and off ice sessions designed to challenge them both physically and mentally. The program included two on ice sessions, rules education, fitness training, interactive activities, and networking opportunities.
Officiating requires more than knowing the rules and making calls on the ice. Officials become strong communicators, confident decision makers, and effective leaders. The camp provided participants with opportunities to work on each of these areas while learning how to manage the physical and mental demands of officiating.
“To experience this camp for a third year, I’m really excited. I’ve been so happy with how much it has helped my development over the past two seasons. It takes what could be a typical clinic and turns it into something interactive and the camp itself is ran really well. I always leave the camp with a new feeling for the game and new goals to work toward for the upcoming season” Cash Bowers, Hockey Alberta Official.
As an added benefit, participation in the Officials Summer School also counts as an official’s clinic registration for the 2026–27 season, allowing participants to combine their development and certification requirements into one experience.
Following the successful Edmonton camp, Hockey Alberta is excited to bring the Officials Summer School to Calgary on August 22–23 at the Flames Community Arena. We can’t wait to welcome 30 officials to Calgary on August 22–23 for another weekend of learning, development, and connection as we prepare for the 2026–27 season.
Hockey Alberta official and Summer School camp attendee Mystery Shaw shared advice for new officials, “for brand new officials, it might be a little scary the first couple of times, but just keep going. You learn so much more about the game than you do just playing or coaching. You also meet so many great people along the way, and there are some really cool opportunities that can come from officiating.”
Interested in becoming a hockey official? Check out an officials clinic near you and take the first step toward getting involved. https://officials.hockeyalberta.ca/register/clinics/













