By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – For more than 30 years, the Hockey Saskatchewan Officiating Development Program (ODP) has been identifying officials who have demonstrated the most improvement in their officiating caliber over the course of a season.

These individuals are recognized for their progress through clinic and camp attendance, as well as their on-ice performance, and are selected for the Most Promising Official Award for the 2024–25 season from Zones 5, 6, 7, and 8. The award alternates each season between the northern zones—5 to 8—and the southern zones—1 to 4.

This year’s winners join a long list of past recipients who have gone on to find success with Hockey Saskatchewan, Hockey Canada, the Western Hockey League, and even the National Hockey League. That list includes names like Dallas Davison, Keith Mackintosh, Brad Meier, Chris Savage, Reagan Vetter, Tarrington Wyonzek, Cianna Lieffers, Andrew Sawatsky, Logan Tisdale, Brayden Glynn, Kaden Fiacco, and Brenden Eisnor.

Each of the 2024-25 zone award winners is also nominated as Saskatchewan’s representative for Hockey Canada’s Most Improved Official Award, which will be announced later this summer.

The ODP extends its congratulations to all nominees and a special congratulations to the four selected winners.

(Zone 5) Hudson Edwards – Nokomis

Edwards began officiating at just 10 years old and has now completed eight seasons. Growing up in a rural area can make it challenging to access new opportunities, but he proved to be a reliable official in the senior ranks this season. He also took the initiative to attend the Sask First Regional Camp in December, where he was selected to officiate at the Sask First Male Under-15 Top 80 Tournament in February. There, he continued to impress and demonstrated clear progression in his development as an official.

(Zone 6) Mykel Kowaluk – Saskatoon

Kowaluk, who turned 31 this season, has been a reliable presence within the Saskatchewan Officiating Development Model for several years. However, this season marked a significant step forward in his progression as a referee. He regularly officiated in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and the Senior hockey ranks, while also covering games at the U Sports level. In addition to his on-ice work, he contributed to the development of others by assisting with supervision and leading instruction clinics. One thing stood out across all levels—Kowaluk consistently received high evaluations from his supervisors, placing him among the top-ranked officials in the province this season. His strong performance ultimately earned him a selection to officiate the SJHL Championship Series.

(Zone 7) Griffin Hayes – Rosetown

Hayes started officiating in 2015 and, at 18 years old, continued with it after graduating high school and it has paid off. He was a trusted and reliable option for many games out in the West-Central region this season, including games in the Saskatchewan AA Hockey League, Senior leagues, and provincial assignments. Two years ago, Hayes attended the Sask First camp, and after receiving many coaching tips, he put those to work and had a very strong and steady season.

(Zone 8) Lucas Boechler – Prince Albert

The prospect pool in Zone 8 is getting quite full, and this season it was Boechler, 18, who earned recognition among his peers as the most improved official. Boechler attended a Sask First camp this season and was assigned the ‘A’ Final game at the Under-18 Tournament in April. He has shown steady progress in his development with each new opportunity across grassroots, AA, and AAA leagues, as well as one game in the PJHL this 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.