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Ref Memories

 I happened to be walking in the mall in Brandon and bumped into an old friend, Frank Taylor from Minnedosa. It was really good to see him. We both used to officiate all kinds of hockey games in and around the area. I really respected Frank as he was one of the best officials I knew. We did not work a lot of games together, but when we did it was always a lot of fun. As we reminisced about games and times we spent together and the guys we worked with officiating it definitely brought back some great memories.

    Frank reminded me of the time he came to our house after a game as I had made a pot of chili that needed to be eaten. Probably a couple of brews as well!

    We covered some of the officiating we see and I will tell you both of us are not impressed by the officiating these days. It is hard to understand what officials are calling these days. Not a lot of consistency, we agreed. How the game has changed and it is different from what we saw. I think the lack of respect in our world, which filters down, is the root of the problem. Anyway we do not officiate anymore so sometimes you just have to let it be.

    As we chatted about the good old days, a couple of fellow officials have passed away and others are facing health problems. We were both sad to hear of the referees who have passed away. It is a reminder to enjoy each day as it comes as tomorrow may never come.

    It made my day seeing Frank again who is a true gentleman and was the best referee for a good number of years. How do I know he was a top referee? Hockey teams, especially in the playoffs, wanted him to officiate their playoff games. When your peers look at you, as they did with Frank, that says it all! They wanted him in their rink to officiate their most important games of the season. 

    Frank shared that these days, he follows the grandchildren around, encouraging them as they participate in sporting events. In fact that day they were heading to Winnipeg to watch hockey. Frank looks like he is in great shape and probably could still be out on the ice officiating the game we both love.

     As I said earlier it was great to see him and share some memories of hockey!