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women’s Hockey Festivity to Showcase Rising Officials and Growing Sport in Quebec
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A major celebration of women’s hockey is set to take place in Quebec from December 18 to 21, bringing together hundreds of players, officials, and speakers while highlighting the crucial role of female referees in the sport’s continued growth.the Caroline Ouellette women’s Hockey Celebration will be hosted across multiple venues including the Étienne-desmarteau arenas in Montreal, the Dollard-des-Ormeaux civic center in Lac St-louis, and the Bell Center.
Elevating Women’s Hockey Through Development and Visibility
The event is dedicated to both the development and celebration of women’s hockey,providing a platform for growth at all levels. This year’s celebration marks the 11th consecutive year of active involvement from Hockey Québec, with a particular focus on refereeing. A key component of this commitment is the 5th edition of the “try refereeing” programme, offering four girls a valuable first experience as hockey officials.
all-Female Officiating crew to Lead the Way
In a powerful demonstration of its mission,all matches at the Celebration will once again be refereed exclusively by female officials. A total of 45 officials will participate, including 28 returning officials, ranging in age from 13 to 60 and holding accreditation levels from 1 to 3R. “The Celebration allows us to see that there is no age limit for the development of our officials,” stated a senior official from Hockey Québec. “There is always room for betterment. This event is one of the best examples of the opening and evolution of women’s hockey, both for the players and the officials. It’s an crucial visibility event for women and girls.”
A Supportive Environment for Official Development
The enthusiasm for officiating at the Caroline Ouellette Celebration is evident in the fact that 120 of the 249 accredited officials in Quebec expressed interest in participating. The selection process, while challenging due to the high level of interest, prioritized availability to ensure full coverage of the planned activities.
Throughout the weekend, officials will receive consistent supervision and mentoring from 23 officials and officials coaches from Hockey quebec’s provincial elite officials programs. A unique aspect of the program involves coaches being present on the ice during officials’ first games, providing real-time advice and support. These coaches will not be making calls or overruling decisions,but rather acting as mentors to foster development and provide reassurance,particularly for the youngest officials navigating a demanding environment with nearly 200 matches played across three arenas and six ice surfaces in just four days.
Recognizing the Commitment of Officials, Coaches, and Families
the dedication of those involved extends beyond the officials themselves. A Hockey Québec representative emphasized the sacrifices made by officials, coaches, and parents alike, many of whom are taking time off work or making significant adjustments during the holiday season to support the event.”We would like to sincerely thank the officials, the officials’ coaches and also the parents,” the representative stated. “Many make significant sacrifices a few days before Christmas… Their commitment is essential to the development of our officials and deserves to be recognized.”
Ultimately, Hockey Quebec stresses the importance of a learning environment for all involved – players and officials alike. Recognizing that mistakes are unavoidable, the association emphasizes the need for respect and courtesy on the ice. “Without officials, there is simply no game,” a spokespers
