NAHL, MHOA Partner to Bring Free Try Officiating Initiative to Blaine, Minnesota

The North American Hockey League (NAHL), in partnership with the Minnesota Hockey Officials Association (MHOA), is proud to host a free Try Officiating event on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the NSC Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota.

This free event is designed for current and former hockey players ages 16 and older who are brand new to officiating. It offers a unique, no-cost opportunity to explore officiating in a supportive, low-pressure environment—no prior certification or financial commitment required.

As one of the nation's premier hockey markets, Minnesota has a long tradition of developing players, coaches, and officials. Through this collaborative effort, the NAHL and MHOA aim to introduce prospective officials from across the state to the many opportunities available within officiating while helping strengthen the future of the game.

The Try Officiating initiative is built around three core components: education, exposure, and experience. Participants will engage in classroom instruction covering the fundamentals of officiating, game management, positioning, rules knowledge, and the various pathways available to officials at the youth, junior, collegiate, professional, and international levels. They will also have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced Officiating Coaches who have worked throughout the hockey development ladder.

The event's on-ice component will provide participants with practical experience in both the Referee and Linesperson roles during a controlled scrimmage environment. Throughout the session, participants will receive real-time coaching and feedback designed to help build confidence and develop foundational officiating skills.

"The opportunity to partner with MHOA on this initiative is incredibly meaningful," said Kendall Hanley, NAHL Manager of Officiating. "Strong officiating programs are built from the ground up. The highest levels of our game depend on a healthy foundation and a clear development pathway that encourages new individuals to get involved, learn, and grow.

Through our collaboration with MHOA, we're able to remove barriers to entry and provide prospective officials with education, mentorship, and hands-on experience in a supportive environment. Together, we're investing in the future of officiating, strengthening the development ladder, and helping ensure the game continues to benefit from dedicated, well-trained officials for years to come."

Mark Verplaetse, Seminar Coordinator for MHOA, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming pathway for new officials entering the game.

"For many prospective officials, getting started can feel overwhelming, which is why initiatives like this are so important. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals, gain on-ice experience, and connect directly with members of Minnesota's officiating community.

For those who decide to continue, MHOA and our local officiating associations throughout Minnesota are ready to help them navigate registration, connect them with mentors, and provide opportunities to begin officiating in their local communities. Our goal is to ensure new officials have a clear pathway and the support they need to be successful from day one."

Participants who fully complete the event and subsequently register as USA Hockey Level 1 officials may use their participation to satisfy the USA Hockey Seminar requirement.

The NAHL would like to recognize and thank the MHOA, NSC Super Rink, and Force Sports for their support in making this initiative possible. A special thank you to Force Sports for providing loaner officiating jerseys that participants will wear during the on-ice portion of the event, helping create an authentic officiating experience from the moment they step onto the ice.

The event will run from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the NSC Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota. Applications are open through July 3, 2026, with accepted participants being notified by July 10.

For additional information and application details, visit the NAHL Try Officiating webpage [here].