LETHBRIDGE – There is nowhere Cory Gretzinger would rather be than on the ice. He grew up playing hockey, but found his true passion in refereeing. He enjoys being part of the game and thrives off the passion of coaches and players.
But every once in a while, he has seen that passion boil over.
“There are some situations – I won’t say it’s a lot – but there are some times where people get anxious and a little upset and they take it too far,” says Gretzinger.
When it does go too far, Cory McLean is the one who ends up dealing with it. The chair of Hockey Alberta’s south zone referee council and a former Western Hockey League official, McLean has more than 20 years of experience. He feels the number of major incidents involving officials is increasing. Already this season 15 match penalties against referees have been reported, including some incidents McLean finds particularly concerning.
“An owner of a junior A franchise unhappy with officiating dumps a beer on a guy,” McLean recalls. Or, “(a coach) at a minor level getting animated on the bench and in frustration kicks a shoe on the ice.”
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Incidents he feels are born out an increasingly competitive atmosphere around hockey.
“It’s really about the culture of the game,” says McLean. “I just see so many things that happen that aren’t really about officiating, more that there’s a lack of accountability in some areas and a lack of respect.”
Officials have been working hockey’s governing bodies to try to address the issues which are keeping referees from returning to action. Each season 35% of the referee workforce chooses not to return.
The general manager of Lethbridge Minor Hockey acknowledges there is a growing issue with players, coaches and parents. “We’re developing a little bit of a culture of win at all costs,” says Keith Hitchcock.
He says the minor hockey association is looking at ways to make those in the game aware of the environment they create.
“We’ve talked quite extensively with the board about doing a lot more parent meetings at the younger ages. Understanding what we expect out of them,” says Hitchcock.
McLean feels something has to be done before it’s too late and a referee shortage threatens the sport.
“Our kids that are just starting out – I mean these are kids, they’re 12 – 13 years old,” warns McLean. “They’re working one or two games and they’re telling us they don’t want to come back.”
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