By Western Hockey League

Ron Robison, Commissioner of the Western Hockey League announced today, Kevin Muench has been appointed to the position of Director of Officiating. Muench will be based, effective August 1, 2001 at the WHL office in Calgary.

Muench brings extensive experience in the officiating area having served as a referee in the WHL from 1983 – 1995. Since his retirement as an active WHL referee, Muench has worked with the WHL assisting the League office with the supervision of officials and other special assignments related to the development of the overall Officiating Program.

In his new capacity as Director of Officiating, Muench will be directly responsible to manage the WHL Officiating Program including the evaluation and development of current officials as well as the identification and recruitment of new referees and linesmen.

The WHL also announced today that Darren Loraas has been appointed to the position of Officiating Development Coordinator with the WHL. Loraas will assist Muench in his part time role with the identification of new officiating prospects as well as supervision of WHL games throughout the regular season and playoffs. Loraas is also a former on-ice official in the WHL having served as a referee from 1976-2001.

The staffing appointments are part of an expanded WHL Officiating Program designed to place further emphasis on the development of referees and linesmen commencing with the 2001-02 season.

As part of the restructuring of the League office responsibilities Richard Doerksen remains in his senior capacity as Vice President and will focus his attention on general hockey matters including league discipline, regulations and scheduling.