By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – Hockey Saskatchewan’s Officiating Development Program (ODP) credits the continued strength of officiating across the province to the individuals who dedicate their time to working games, mentoring officials, administering programs, and supporting development opportunities at all levels of the game.

Hockey Saskatchewan is proud to recognize four officials from southern Zones 1 through 4 as recipients of the Most Deserving Official Award for the 2025-26 season. The award recognizes individuals whose long-term contributions have helped strengthen officiating within their communities and throughout the provincial development pathway.

In addition to earning their respective zone honours, all four recipients have also been nominated as Saskatchewan’s representatives for Hockey Canada’s Most Deserving Official Award, which will be announced later this year.

Hockey Saskatchewan congratulates the following officials on receiving the 2025-26 Most Deserving Official Award. While the honour reflects contributions made throughout an individual’s officiating career rather than one season alone, this year’s recipients have consistently led by example while embracing opportunities to both develop themselves and support others within the program.

(Zone 1) Bryan Fleck – Weyburn

After spending time as both a player and coach, Bryan Fleck transitioned into officiating in 2019 and has quickly become one of the most respected officials in Zone 1. Fleck has consistently made himself available to work games at all levels throughout Weyburn and surrounding communities while continuing to develop as an official. He credits much of his growth to the officiating partners he has worked alongside over the years, but he has also embraced a leadership role in mentoring younger officials in the area. Whether through coaching, guidance, or simply leading by example on the ice, Fleck has helped younger officials develop both their skills and passion for officiating. That influence has extended throughout the region, including to his daughter Marlie and many other developing officials in Weyburn and surrounding communities.

(Zone 2) Ken Gaudet – Regina

Ken Gaudet has been involved in officiating since he was young and has spent years contributing to the growth and development of officials throughout Regina and across Saskatchewan. In addition to continuing to work high-level games throughout the province, Gaudet serves in numerous leadership and administrative roles behind the scenes. His involvement includes serving as a regional assignor for Hockey Saskatchewan, mentor with Hockey Regina, member of Hockey Saskatchewan’s Senior/Under-18 Officiating Development Task Team, member of the ODP leadership group, clinic and on-ice instructor, referee-in-chief for the Qu’Appelle Valley Highway Hockey League, and official coach at Sask First camps and tournaments. Gaudet has played a significant role in the development of many officials now working high-performance hockey throughout Regina and Saskatchewan. Over the last several years, countless officials have benefitted from his mentorship, assignments, instruction, and ongoing support within the officiating pathway.

(Zone 3) Braden MacLean – Coronach

Like many rural areas throughout Saskatchewan, south-central communities often face challenges finding enough qualified officials to cover games throughout the season. Braden MacLean has quietly become one of the key individuals helping address those challenges in his region. At just 26 years old, MacLean has taken on a major role helping assign officials, recruit support, and ensure games across several communities are properly covered. His work has not gone unnoticed, with fellow regional assignors regularly identifying him as a dependable resource willing to either work games himself or help find officials to fill assignments. Still active as an official, MacLean returned to his home zone following university and an internship in Regina and southeastern Saskatchewan. Since returning, he has played an important role in building a stronger officiating culture in the area, contributing to improved retention and increased participation among local officials.

(Zone 4) Jason Bansley – Yorkton

Jason Bansley has become a reliable and versatile official within eastern Saskatchewan, consistently making himself available to help cover games at several levels of hockey. Whether serving as a referee or linesperson, Bansley has worked everything from minor hockey to Under-18 AAA and Senior hockey. His willingness to adapt to whatever role is needed has made him a dependable option for assignors throughout the region. Since returning to the game as an official in 2013 following his playing and coaching career, Bansley has continued to improve his officiating while also supporting less experienced partners on the ice. His commitment to helping cover games and mentor developing officials has made him a valued contributor within the officiating community.

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.