Oct. 10, 2007

FSN Detroit reporter Shireen Saski was among three media members brave enough to participate in the CCHA's annual Officials Training Camp held in Farmington Hills, Mich., in September. The league's on-ice officials meet every year prior to the season for on and off-ice testing, classroom discussions and presentations. In an effort to further educate media members on the commitment and dedication required of these officials, media members participated right alongside these college hockey professionals. In her own words, Saski shares her two-day experience in "Behind the Scenes at CCHA Officials Training Camp".

Behind the Scenes at CCHA Officials Training Camp
By Shireen Saski

Are you kidding me?!!!!!!!!! How could you not call that?!!!!!!!!!!!! What are you looking at out there?!!!!!!!! Are you blind?!!!!!!!!!

Let's face it. At one time or another, we've all questioned an official's call during a game. It's baffling, at times, how a referee could "miss" something on the ice that was "so obvious" from the stands, press box, or even watching on television.

Yet, CCHA officials are some of the best in the game. Last season, 10 rated so highly among their college hockey peers that they earned the privilege of working the NCAA Tournament. And four, including 26-year veteran Steve Piotrowski, worked the Frozen Four.

This season, the highly respected Piotrowski has hung up his skates. However, as the CCHA's new Director of Officials, he is anything but retired.

"Coming into this position for the first time, I wanted to set an absolute good impression for the guys," Piotrowski said.

That starts with training camp.

Select media members were invited to be embedded in all the weekend's activities from dryland training to classroom work to on-ice testing. Yours truly included.

"We just thought that it was a good opportunity for people to come in behind the scenes, and get a real look at all the different elements that go into officiating," said CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos, now in his 10th season.

The experience was priceless for this reporter.

With NCAA ice hockey in the second year of a two-year rule cycle, there are no rules changes this season. However, there is an updated standard of enforcement. NCAA National Director of Officials, Frank Cole, and NCAA Liaison to the Ice Hockey Rules Committee, Ty Halpin, led the informative discussion.

"Having the conversations with the other guys, and the experienced veterans tossing around ideas, to what the NCAA expects from us this year," noted assistant referee TJ Likens, who's entering his fifth season. "Those discussions prepare us mentally."

And video examples provided by the NCAA cleared up any confusion, especially calls pertaining to interference and hitting from behind.

"We get one look at it in real time. And we may not see it for the rest of the season," said assistant referee Brent Gawlik, a 13-year referee veteran. "So, those things really help us prepare quite a bit."

A field of 53 veterans and 22 rookie tryouts participated in this year's training camp. Some traveled in from as far as Iowa, Nebraska and even Alaska. And the fact they paid their own travel expenses underscores the level of dedication these men and women have to their second profession.

"Sometimes people think guys are doing this for the money," Anastos said. "But, they do it because they're very passionate about it, very committed to it. They love the competition."

That competitive fire intensified as we headed outside for dryland training. Michigan State University Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Vorkapich led the two hours of torture. He warned he would work us as hard as he works his teams. And he did.

"Let's get it going! Let's go!" Vorkapich bellowed. "It's a nice little two-mile warm up!

Now, having worked out with a personal trainer over the past six months, I know there's not much "nice" about a two-mile run.

Yet, 26-year CCHA veteran referee Matt Shegos had no trouble at all as he finished first with a time of 11:46. Others soon followed as Vorkapich called out their times.

"12:14......12:28......12:45......13:22.....13:55."

Then, time passed.....And passed....And passed.

"No sign of Shireen," Vorkapich noted.

"Is she running?" someone asked in amazement.

"She's running," Vorkapich replied.

More time passed.....Then, FINALLY, the finish line was near.

":54, :55, :56, :57," Vorkapich yelled with encouragement. "17:58 Nice work."

Whew! What a great sense of accomplishment! Now, I realize my time isn't impressive. But, I did finish ahead of a handful of officials. All of whom shall remain nameless for my own safety.

Then, just as I was able to breathe regularly once again, Vorkapich yelled out his next command.

"You've got push ups! We're going for time, and the beauty of it is, you don't what time we're going for!"

The whole group moaned in anticipation of the pain awaiting us.

"Just like in a game," Vorkapich loudly explained. "You don't know when you're blowing your whistle. I don't know when I'm blowing mine."

After nearly two dozen strength and agility drills, the intense workout mercifully ended. But, the pain lingered for a few days.

"I think it was a big hit with the guys," Piotrowski said. "And everyone's leaving knowing they got a good workout."

"This was a rigorous test. I think it gets harder and harder every year," added Gawlik. "They kind of raise the bar every year, and if you don't come prepared, it makes it tough."

The next day, we took the ice. Well, everyone except me.

Having grown up wearing figure skates, I decided trying hockey skates for the first time during officials drills was NOT a prudent idea. And after watching these men and women endure numerous rigorous tests, I am confident I made the right decision.

Many of you may be under the misconception that officials aren't in shape. But, they have to be physically fit if they're going to keep up with the speedy play on the ice.

Back in the classroom, we reviewed the mechanics of working a two-referee/one- linesman game and a two-referee/two-linesman game. An NCAA written exam followed along with an FBI presentation entitled "Don't bet on it."

"We work so hard to protect the integrity of our profession," Piotrowski said. "And amidst the scandal of the NBA referee, obviously all the eyes are turning to all officiating whether it's football, basketball or hockey. And what are you guys going to do about addressing this with your officials?

"So, why not take it to the next level and bring in the FBI and talk about it from an organized crime perspective? And just get our officials more in tune with what they need to know, and be aware of, so they're not exposed to something like that."

Personally speaking, the entire weekend was an eye-opening experience. And one that will be extremely beneficial each time the puck drops. And, perhaps, next time I think they missed a call, I'll think twice before speaking.