Follow Paul on Twitter: @paulstewart22
The Olympic hockey tournaments, both the men's and women's, have been enjoyable to watch. The lack of NHL participation in the men's tournament could not dampen the spirit of the game, which comes as no surprise to anyone who cares about our great sport.
One aspect of the tournament that is, of course, of great interest to me is the work of the officials. In particular, I am so proud of work that Katie Guay and Dina Allen have done in earning the honor of Olympic selection as referees in the women's tournament and the quality of their work in Pyeongchang.
Above all, I hope that women -- and men, too -- who play hockey can look to Katie and Dina as inspirations.
Both played the game. Both put a priority on getting an education; actually, both women are Ivy League alumni (Dina attended Princeton and Katie went to Brown). Both took an interest in officiating as a way to stay in the game when their playing days were over -- which is especially tricky for women players, because money-making opportunities are scarce for those who play and there are only a limited number of coaching opportunities. Both worked very hard to learn the officiating side, and all it entails. Both took any assignment they were asked to take. And both have become among the very best at what they do. Katie has also refereed men's Division I games; not as a gimmick or attention-getting vehicle, but because she earned it and accounted herself well.
In hockey officiating development, both on the men's and women's sides, we need to focus on education and recruitment of those who are exiting the playing ranks and looking for a means to stay involved with the game. Katie and Dina are great examples, and I would love to see others follow in stride. The game needs it.
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Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.