By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – The Most Deserving Official Award is based on an official who is rated on their officiating skills and what they put back into the program through supervision, instruction, and coaching. The 2020-21 recipient is long overdue for this recognition based on his accomplishments as an official both on and off the ice.

Brad Howard has served the branch in many capacities in support of officials including Official Coach, Instructor, Zone Coordinator, Southern Representative, Clinic Coordinator, Referee-In-Chief, past President of the Referee’s Division, Director of Officials for the Saskatchewan Male U-18 “AAA” Hockey League, and currently serves as an Advisor on the Officiating Development Program Leadership Team. His resume also includes being the Director of Officials for the SJHL and Canada West Men’s Division as well as the Official Coach for the Western Hockey League (WHL).

The countless hours Howard puts into working with referees and linespersons as well as communicating with teams is driven by his passion for officiating and knowledge of the game. As a former Level 6 official, he has worked in the WHL and many championships during his time on the ice while off the ice, he has served as RIC for numerous events and championships. Howard was instrumental in the creation of the Saskatchewan Officiating Development Model. He also received the Hockey Canada Officiating Award in 2015.

Through a challenging 2020-21 season, Howard worked effortlessly to adapt and try to keep leagues going through the COVID-19 pandemic by adjusting budgets and assignments for the leagues he was directly working for.

Howard, who started officiating at age 13, joins the list of Most Deserving Award winners that include other current Officiating Development Program members such as Bruce Skilliter (2019-20), Lyle Wilhelm (2018-19), Chad Foreman (2014-15), Kim Sobkowicz (1997-98), and Barry Schrader (1993-94).

It is with great pride and honour that the Officiating Development Committee recognizes Regina’s Brad Howard with this award for the 2020-21 season during our Thanks Stripes Weekend from Jan. 21st to 23rd, 2022.

About HOCKEY SASKATCHEWAN

Hockey Saskatchewan was established in 1912 and is the governing body for organized hockey in the Province of Saskatchewan. With a mission to Lead, Develop and Promote Positive Hockey Experiences, Hockey Saskatchewan encourages competition at all levels – from recreational to high performance. Hockey Saskatchewan has grown through the years and is Saskatchewan’s largest sports organization with over 43,000 members comprised of players, coaches, and officials. For more information, please visit www.hockeysask.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.