OHL Completes 2015-16 Officiating Training Camp
September 3, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL) News Release
Toronto, ON - The Ontario Hockey League held its annual pre-season Officiating Camp this past weekend, August 28-29, 2015, at the University of Guelph.
93 officials attended the camp including 22 prospective OHL officials with the group totaling 38 referees and 55 linesmen. The camp included fitness evaluations, skating sessions, rules emphasis, team building activities, and featured guest speaker and instructor Greg Kimmerly, a former OHL Official entering his 23rd season in the NHL.
It was also announced at camp that veteran linesman Steve Corlyon is the 2014-15 recipient of "The Bodie" Character Award for Officials. Established in 2013, "The Bodie" is presented annually to the OHL official who demonstrates a passion and dedication to officiating and the game of hockey, who best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice, professionalism, and is respected by OHL member teams, players, and fellow officials. The award was presented to Steve by Christa Bodendistel.
"Steve was voted by his peers for this award and is most deserving of this prestigious honour," said OHL Director of Officiating Conrad Hache. "After 30 years of officiating in the OHL, he continues to be a positive role model for all members of our officiating team and encompasses all of the qualities this award stands for."
Corlyon, an Ottawa native, is the longest serving active member of the OHL's Officiating Team. Throughout his career of 30 seasons he has received numerous playoff assignments and two OHL All-Star Classics. Corlyon is the third recipient of the award following referees Sean Reid (2013-14) and Scott Oakman (2012-13).
The award is named in recognition of former OHL Senior Officiating Manager, Ken Bodendistel, who served 40 years in the league beginning as a Supervisor in 1974-75. Bodendistel passed away in November 2013 at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer.
The OHL is also proud to congratulate linesman Devin Berg who recently received an NHL contract and will begin the upcoming season in the AHL and NHL.
Berg, a 25-year-old from Tavistock, ON, skated just two seasons in the OHL. This season he was assigned to the 2015 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in St. Catharines, and later worked his first OHL Championship Series.
"The OHL is a development league not only for players but for officials," added Hache. "I would like to congratulate Devin on this exciting opportunity and wish him the best of luck as he pursues his goal at the next level."
Berg is the fourth OHL Official to be hired professionally in two seasons following referees Kendrick Nicholson and Garrett Rank, and linesman Shandor Alphonso last season.
The OHL Exhibition Season begins Friday September 4, with the 2015-16 Regular Season opening on Thursday September 24.
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