By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – The Hockey Saskatchewan Officiating Development Program (ODP) is proud to announce the three officials selected for national recognition.

The following officials received 2025-26 Hockey Canada awards:

• Avery Nielsen - Most Improved Official
• Cole Breitkreuz - Most Promising Official
• Bryan Fleck - Most Dedicated Official

All officials were first selected by the ODP, receiving an award in one of the four southern zones recognized in the 2025-26 season for their performances, development and contributions. The three winners were selected from the four awardees in their category and presented the Hockey Canada honour for their respective province.

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Avery Nielsen – Moose Jaw

At just 16 years old, Avery Nielsen has made significant strides in his officiating career.

The Moose Jaw official entered the 2025-26 season with five years of officiating experience and continued to expand his opportunities, working several levels of minor hockey as well as Under-15 (U15) AA, Under-18 (U18) AA, the Canadian Sport School Hockey League and Senior hockey.

Nielsen’s development was especially evident during the postseason. He received multiple provincial playoff assignments and attended the Sask First Male U15 camp and was selected to attend the Sask First Male U18 tournament. At the U18 tournament, Nielsen was one of the younger officials in the high-performance program but quickly demonstrated that he belonged.

His continued improvement and willingness to take on new challenges earned Nielsen Zone 3’s Most Improved Official Award from Hockey Saskatchewan for the 2025-26 season.

That zone recognition led to Nielsen being put forward as Saskatchewan’s representative for Hockey Canada’s Most Improved Official Award in which he was selected.

Cole Breitkreuz – Regina

At 22 years old, Cole Breitkreuz has already established himself as one of Saskatchewan’s leading young officials.

The Regina official currently works in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and other leagues throughout the province.

His 2025-26 season provided several significant opportunities to demonstrate his potential.

Breitkreuz was selected to work as a linesperson at the 2026 TELUS Cup Western Regionals and earned an assignment as a referee at the 23rd National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) which was also hosted in Regina.

He was also invited to Hockey Canada’s officiating program of excellence camp, further exposing him to high-level instruction and competition.

Known for his powerful skating ability and strong presence on the ice, Breitkreuz has consistently demonstrated the potential to advance through the Saskatchewan Officiating Development Model (SODM) pathway.

His continued progression earned him last season’s Most Promising Official Award from Hockey Saskatchewan, which in-turn helped him earn national recognition as well.

Bryan Fleck – Weyburn

For Bryan Fleck, officiating is about much more than working games.

After spending time as both a player and coach, Fleck began officiating in 2019 and has become a respected member of the Weyburn and south-east Saskatchewan.

Throughout his career, Fleck has consistently made himself available to work games at a variety of levels while continuing to develop his own skills. His greatest strength, however, may be the time he invests in other officials.

Fleck has embraced a mentorship role within his local officiating community, helping younger referees and linespersons develop through coaching, guidance and leading by example. His commitment has included supporting his daughter Marlie and other young officials beginning their officiating journeys.

That commitment to the officiating community earned Fleck the 2025-26 Most Deserving Official Award from Hockey Saskatchewan. That provincial recognition has now been followed by the Hockey Canada’s Most Dedicated Official Award.

About OFFICIATING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The Hockey Saskatchewan Officiating Development Program (ODP) is committed to enhancing officiating standards across all levels of hockey in the province. Through recruitment, education, and support, opportunities are provided for officials to excel and contribute to the vibrant hockey community in Saskatchewan. Visit the program's webpage at www.hockeysask.ca for additional information, and follow on X [@HockeySask_ODP] for updates.