Stratford, ON - ALLIANCE Hockey is pleased to announce that
Ian Waugh (St. Marys, ON) is the recipient of the 2023 ALLIANCE Hockey Referee of the Year Award!
2023 ALLIANCE HOCKEY REFEREE OF THE YEAR
– IAN WAUGH, STRATFORD REFEREES ASSOCIATION Watch the full award presentation video HERE!
Congratulations to Stratford Referees Association Official Ian Waugh recipient of the 2023 ALLIANCE Hockey Referee of the Year Award!
Ian Waugh is a Level 3 official who has been officiating since he was 15 years old and is a member of the Stratford Referees Association.
Ian transitioned from playing the game to working his way up through the officiating ranks from U10 games, to lining U18AAA, to refereeing U18AAA and eventually working games in the OHA.
Waugh is regarded by his peers as being not only a great official but a great friend on and off the ice. He is also well respected by the players and coaches; a sure indication of being a great official.
"This season Ian has shown all the characteristics I believe it takes to receive an award of this magnitude. He skates every game with integrity, effort and a determination to be better. He also works with our newer officials," noted Jake Gansevles, President of the Stratford Referees Association.
Waugh's commitment to officiating is commendable to say the least. He balances officiating in multiple Leagues, a full-time job, and farming while still finding the time to skate with newer officials providing essential and quality mentorship.
This past summer, the SRA held a free skate for all ages to help recruit people interested in officiating minor hockey. Ian not only helped the SRA in organizing the skate but could also be found on the ice teaching and assisting those new to the job.
"Apart from his skill and leadership, Ian is the referee who always has a coffee waiting for you, he never asks for reimbursement or forgets your order! It may seem like a simple gesture but it goes a long way in bringing the referees together as that third team on the ice."
In Stratford, similar to other areas, they are in need of more officials. On multiple occasions, the lack of available officials meant that games were in jeopardy of being cancelled but Ian always stepped up in these instances to ensure that the games would be played.
Waugh is no stranger to accolades having previously been recognized as the Stratford Referees Association
Most Promising Official and
Most Improved Official.
Congratulations Ian and thank you for your dedication and contributions to minor hockey!
About the Referee of the Year Award -
The ALLIANCE Hockey Referee of the Year Award recognizes outstanding contributions, involvement and service to ALLIANCE Hockey in the area of officiating. ALLIANCE Hockey Referee of the Year Award recipients have displayed commitment to the ideals of ALLIANCE Hockey, have worked tirelessly for the improvement of the game at their local Association level and have made a notable impact on both the game and the players involved. The recipient must be active in hockey during the year of the award