NZIHF Referee Tyler Haslemore recently returned from a trip to Toronto, Canada, where he refereed 155 games as part of an officials training and development programme.

The NZIHF assisted Tyler with funding for his trip, one which he described as invaluable for officials.

“During my time in Toronto, I was fortunate enough to skate in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) which is a representative league and has been referred to as the best minor hockey league in the world. Some of the NHLs finest including Conor McDavid, John Tavares and Steven Stamkos all played their minor hockey in the GTHL. During one of my games, I skated with Greg Kimmerly’s (former NHL referee) son while refereeing Shane Wright, who was recently granted exceptional player status to play in the OHL as a 15 year old. In other games I officiated Patrick Marleau’s son, while he was in the stands, and in various games I skated with OHL officials. “

The sheer quantity of games that Tyler took part in during his time away added up to 465 periods, or approximately 7,400 minutes of hockey, allowing him to develop his feel for the game and work alongside elite level officials and bring back some incredible experience, knowledge and ability to the New Zealand officiating community.

This experience is something the NZIHF is excited to continue developing for its officials in the years to come.