By Hockey Canada

Canadian officials are ready to hit the world stage.

Forty-seven officials – 24 referees and 23 linespersons – have been licensed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) for international competition during the 2024-25 season. Specific assignments for these officials will be announced by the IIHF throughout the season.

“We are always proud of our officials who represent Canada at the international level,” said Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “The opportunity to participate in international competition is a career highlight for officials. Every Canadian official who is licensed by the IIHF competes for years to earn that opportunity and once they have, there’s someone trying to take their spot. The achievements of these officials are a credit to themselves, as well as their Member programs, who aided in their development.”

The list is headlined by the officials on the IIHF’s Road to Milano program, as they compete for an assignment to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Canada’s representatives include referees Jenn Berezowski, Michael Campbell, Brandy Dewar, Mike Langin, Élizabeth Mantha, Amy Martin, Michelle McKenna and Shauna Neary, as well as linespersons Jessica Chartrand, Alexandra Clarke, Laura Gutauskas, Justine Todd, Tarrington Wyonzek and Erin Zach.

Additionally, eight officials have received their first license and will look to make their international debuts this season: referees Danny Emerson, Adam Forbes, Audrey-Anne Girard and Ty Skene, and linespersons Pierre-Olivier Couture, Nathan Howes, Amy Laroche and Brennan Walker.

Departing from the IIHF list ahead of the season are officials Brayden Arcand (Hockey Alberta), Chad Huseby (Hockey Alberta), Danika Kroeker (BC Hockey) and Brett Mackey (BC Hockey).

“We congratulate these officials on their successes at the international level,” said Hanoomansingh. “For years, these officials were the standard-bearers for the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, the ones who young officials strived to emulate. To those officials who will continue to officiate in leagues across the country, we thank them for their continued service to officiating in Canada. To those who are stepping off the ice and into the next chapter of their lives, we wish them all the best.”

CANADIAN OFFICIALS LICENCED FOR INTERNATIONAL EVENTS FOR 2024-25 SEASON

“This is a fantastic initiative from the IIHF and we are thrilled for our officials who will participate,” said Hanoomansingh. “It is always an adjustment for officials when they progress from the national to the international level. However, this program will provide an opportunity for our officials to be introduced to the expectations of the international game, so that when they receive their first assignment, they can achieve immediate success.”

CANADIAN OFFICIALS PARTICIPATING IN THE IIHF FROM GOOD TO GREAT PROGRAM

The Hockey Canada Officiating Program is for anyone who is interested in officiating, from the grassroots to the international game. Hockey Canada's 13 Members provide a path for anyone to participate in officiating, develop a love for the game and achieve their goals. For more information about the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, visit HockeyCanada.ca/Officials.