By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – Hockey Saskatchewan’s Officiating Development Program (ODP) has recognized four officials from southern Zones 1 through 4 as recipients of the Most Improved Official Award for the 2025-26 season.

The Most Improved Official Award recognizes officials who demonstrated significant growth throughout the season while advancing through Hockey Saskatchewan’s officiating pathway. Each recipient showed a strong commitment to development both on and off the ice, earning increased responsibilities and higher-level assignments throughout the year.

The provincial recognition alternates annually between northern Zones 5 through 8 and southern Zones 1 through 4. In addition to earning their respective zone honours, all four recipients have also been nominated for Hockey Canada’s Most Improved Official Award.

Hockey Saskatchewan congratulates the following officials on being named the 2025-26 southern Zone Most Improved Official Award recipients.

(Zone 1) Malaea Bonnell – Balgonie

After recently turning 18 years old, Malaea Bonnell completed just her second season as an official and has already established herself as a promising young talent within the officiating pathway. A ringette player by background, Bonnell began officiating through Prairie Storm Minor Hockey Association and has made significant strides early in her career. Bonnell attended the Sask First Female Program camp in each of the past two seasons, where she consistently applied feedback and coaching points into game action. Her commitment to improvement has quickly elevated her profile among officiating instructors and evaluators. During the 2025-26 season, Bonnell earned an invitation to the prestigious Mandi Schwartz Memorial Hockey Tournament, officiated her first Saskatchewan Female Under-18 AAA Hockey League games, and received Provincial Playoff assignments later in the season.

(Zone 2) Jeremiah McClintock – Regina

Jeremiah McClintock is also early in his officiating career, beginning at 22 years old, but has already built a reputation as a dependable and consistent linesperson across several leagues in Regina. In only two seasons, McClintock has worked extensively within the Hockey Regina system while also earning opportunities in high-performance leagues including Under-15 AA, Under-16 AA, Under-18 AA, the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, Junior B, Junior C, and Senior hockey. He totalled nearly 80 games at those levels during the season. His strong season included league and provincial final assignments in AA, Junior B, and Senior hockey. McClintock also attended the Sask First Male Program tournament, where he earned a ‘B’ Final assignment.

(Zone 3) Avery Nielsen – Moose Jaw

Avery Nielsen turned 16 years old in August and has already accumulated five years of officiating experience. His passion for officiating and commitment to continued development has become increasingly evident through the opportunities he earned during the 2025-26 season. Nielsen officiated several levels within Moose Jaw Minor Hockey Association while also receiving assignments in Under-15 AA, Under-18 AA, the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, and Senior hockey. Throughout the season, Nielsen selected for multiple Provincial Playoff assignments and attended the Sask First camp and tournament. Despite being one of the younger officials at the Under-18 event, he earned a tournament final assignment in his first appearance at the program.

(Zone 4) Tryggvi Thorsteinson – Foam Lake

It is hard to imagine that Tryggvi Thorsteinson has already completed 10 seasons as an official while still only 21 years old. Based in Foam Lake, Thorsteinson has consistently made himself available for local hockey while also travelling throughout eastern Saskatchewan for Under-18 and Senior hockey assignments. His willingness to travel, combined with his steady performance and reliability, has helped him continue progressing within the officiating pathway. Throughout the 2025-26 season, Thorsteinson became a trusted option for assignors in high-pressure situations, earning seven different Provincial Playoff assignments near the conclusion of the season.

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.