Follow Paul on Twitter: @paulstewart22
Thank you to every one who participated in the officiating clinic and tryout camp for ECAC Division I and Division III that I conducted in Walpole this weekend. We had a strong turnover with over 50 candidates who skated their hearts out and showed their stuff on a June 20th. I am also working on our ISL Prep officiating roster and, in the bigger picture, working on finding and teaching new officials for hockey leagues everywhere.
Special thanks go out to Rodman Arena and Cathy Harrop for all of her help. I also want to thank skating coach Mandy Curtin, USA Hockey's representative Bryan Harrington, Atlantic Hockey league and JR Assignor Gene Binda,ECAC Senior Supervisor Lev Torgerson, ECAC Supervisors Pat Dapuzzo, Mike Noeth, Brock Foster, Don Garcia. as well as ECAC Staff referees, Cam Lynch, Will Harrop, Scott Whittemore, and Chip McDonald, plus Trinity College Player and Rodman Arena referee Delaney Harrop. Last but not least, thank you my son, McCauley Stewart, for demonstrating the drills.
Personally, I really enjoyed the classroom skull session and seeing some of my tips for good positioning click with the eager-to-learn participants. Reminded me of my own days as a young hopeful official after my pro playing days were done.
Now we are on to the next clinic to find and teach more officials. To me, it's not a job. I's a passion. Mark my words, we WILL make the officiating profession better. I'll be back tomorrow with some thoughts on another proposed NHL rule change.
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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.
Today, Stewart is an officiating and league discipline consultant for the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and serves as director of hockey officiating for the ECAC.
The longtime referee heads Officiating by Stewart, a consulting, training and evaluation service for officials. Stewart also maintains a busy schedule as a public speaker, fund raiser and master-of-ceremonies for a host of private, corporate and public events. As a non-hockey venture, he is the owner of Lest We Forget.