OHL Completes 2016-17 Officiating Training Camp
August 30, 2016 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL) News Release
Toronto, ON - The Ontario Hockey League held its annual pre-season Officiating Camp this past weekend, August 26-27, 2016, at the University of Guelph.
97 officials attended the camp including 28 prospective OHL officials with the group along with 30 OHL referees and 39 linesmen. The camp included fitness evaluations, skating sessions, rules emphasis, team building activities, and appearances from retired 25-year NHL linesman Dan McCourt and 23-year veteran NHL linesman Greg Devorski.
It was also announced at camp that referee Mike Cairns is the 2015-16 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.
"Mike was voted by his peers for this award and is most deserving of this prestigious honour," said OHL Director of Officiating Conrad Hache. "His hard work and professionalism throughout his time in the league has not gone unnoticed and he continues to be a positive role model for all members of our officiating team."
Cairns, a native of Scarborough, is a seven year veteran of the Ontario Hockey League and has officiated in the OHL Championship Series in each of the past five years. He was a member of the officiating team for the 2015 MasterCard Memorial Cup in Quebec City.
The OHL also recognized veteran linesman Joe Celestin who enters his 20th year in the Ontario Hockey League in 2016-17.
A native of London, Celestin began officiating in the Ontario Hockey League during the 1997-98 season.
"As one of our longest tenured OHL officials, we're thankful for the commitment Joe has shown to the league over the past two decades," said Hache. "He remains a valued member of our officiating team."
With officiating camp in the books, OHL member teams open training camp this week in preparation for the 2016-17 season.
The OHL Exhibition Season begins Friday September 2, with the 2016-17 Regular Season opening on Wednesday September 21st.
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Ontario Hockey League Stories from August 30, 2016
- OHL Completes 2016-17 Officiating Training Camp - OHL
- First Round Import Selection Gera Poddubnyi Commits to Erie - Erie Otters
- 2016-17 Training Camp Roster Announced - Kitchener Rangers
- Oshawa Generals to Honour #27, Marc Savard - Oshawa Generals
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