Official Development, Pancich to NHL
August 25, 2009 - United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release
Chicago, IL - The USA Hockey Officiating Development Program (ODP) and the United States Hockey League (USHL) announced that linesman Bryan Pancich has been hired by the National Hockey League (NHL) for the 2009-10 season. Pancich was signed to a "40/40" contract which will see him working games both in the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL).
The 26-year-old native of Billings, Montana becomes the first official signed directly to the NHL from the USA Hockey ODP and the USHL. Pancich began with the ODP at age of 17 working games in his hometown of Billings for the America West Hockey League (AWHL). Over the course of nine seasons in the ODP program, he earned a number of significant assignments including multiple USHL All-Star Games, USHL Clark Cup Finals, and five AHL Calder Cup Finals appearances from 2005-2009.
"This is great news for the Officiating Development Program," said Scott Brand, coordinator for USA Hockey's ODP and USHL Director of Hockey Operations. "Bryan is an excellent official, an outstanding representative of our program, and just as importantly, a great person."
Pancich joins current NHL officials David Banfield, Chris Ciamaga, Brian Pochmara, Ian Walsh, Chris Rooney, and Brian Mach - all of whom are ODP graduates and former USHL officials.
"This opportunity would have never been possible without the support of USA Hockey, Scott Brand and the Officiating Development Program," said Pancich. "I am grateful for the mentors who have guided me through the officiating ranks. Working games in the AWHL in Montana nine years ago, I never dreamt this was possible. I'm truly humbled by the opportunity to work in the National Hockey League."
The ODP and USHL are also proud to announce that a record 11 officials have accepted full-time positions in professional hockey leagues. In addition to Pancich's hiring, Tim Mayer (Okemos, MI), J.M. McNulty (Huntington Beach, CA), Nick Krebsbach (Minot, ND), and Jim Scarpace (Detroit, MI) have all accepted positions with the ECHL. In addition, Dan Dreger (Denver, CO), Justin Greene (Plymouth, MA), Ryan Hersey (San Diego, CA), Jon Shaw (Denver, CO), John Grandt (Denver, CO), and Bill McGoldrick (Merrimac, MA) will be joining the Central Hockey League.
"We are proud that the USHL is quickly becoming the avenue to the NHL and professional hockey for not only the best young hockey players in the United States - but for its best young officials as well," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "Congratulations to Brian and all the good young men moving up the professional ladder."
"We are thrilled for the officials and know they will make a solid impact on the leagues in which they are working," said Brand. "These recent hirings demonstrate the quality of our officials and the ODP. Without question, a large part of the credit is due to the support of USA Hockey and the various leagues - owners, players, coaches, and fans - who understand their role in providing opportunities for developing and advancing officials as well as coaches, players, and administrators. The ODP is fortunate to have such a great support system."
Last year, over 30 other ODP participants had the chance to work professional or Division I college hockey games as part of their overall development. Opportunities for promotions still exist for next season as Division I conferences will be holding officiating camps in September with a number of ODP officials attending those camps.
The USA Hockey ODP is beginning its 12th season and was created through the collective efforts of former USA Hockey VP of Junior Hockey Dave Tyler, former USHL President Gino Gasparini, former AWHL chairman Eric Bonanno, and current USA Hockey Officiating Director Matt Leaf. Scott Brand, a former junior player, junior and professional referee in addition to being a former Vice President and General Manager of the USHL's Waterloo Black Hawks (1992-96) and Dubuque Fighting Saints (1996-98), has coordinated the ODP since its inception. The program has produced over 250 officials for the professional and college level after just 11 seasons.
The USHL celebrates its 31st season of junior hockey in 2009-10. With over 185 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools during the 2008-09 campaign and 17 NHL Draft picks that played in the League this past season, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.ushl.com.
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
