Page 27 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 29

sportsenergynews.com 27

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605 Education Rd. Cornwall, ON, K6H 6C7

The Game From A Referee’s Perspective

By Johanne Sullivan year break. He returned to the game As the game has changed so has the Gloucester Rangers. The Seaway
in 2005 when his son, Jonah, started Colin’s style. As a thirteen year old team included Grant Cooper who
hile players and spectators do playing hockey.

Wnot always agree with the calls he did not have the confidence he has currently plays for the Cornwall Colts
now. He was afraid of making “the Junior A team. A hotly contested
a referee does or doesn’t make during Colin has noticed the game has
a game, it is important to keep in evolved since he started offi ciating. wrong call”. He was not as familiar game, it was tied going into the fi nal
mind that he or she has a difficult task He fi nds the biggest difference is with the rules as he is now. Now, minutes. The game ended in a tie, but

at hand. While sometimes derided, the increased speed of the game. he knows the rules “backwards and since it was the last of the series, there
most referees go about their job with The players are much faster and the forwards”. He describes his style as was mandatory overtime. The Rapids
a quiet grace. Colin Ashby is a local game is much more intense. As the “Wanting to give the players a chance came up short after double overtime.
That one game was the equivalent
referee who has been overseeing players age, they are progressively to play hockey. Let them skate. Only of two games. Colin also enjoys the
games for more years than he cares stronger and faster; much faster than get involved when the players are not
to remember. He is a quiet individual even 10-15 years ago. While things following the rules”. He then takes yearly bantam tournament. He likes
who has a great love and passion for have changed for players, they have control before someone gets hurt. “seeing teams from all over, spending
the game. Colin started reffing novice also changed for referees. There is Having refereed countless games long days at the rink, and hanging out

with fellow refs”. When officials are

hockey at the age of thirteen for some much more awareness now about over the years, Colin does have
pocket money. He has always enjoyed concussions and head injuries. He some fond memories. The one that together they like to exchange war
being on the ice and reffing as an adult now has to contend with rules that shines brightest for him happened stories from “our weekends on the ice.

gives him the opportunity to continue have been developed to make the about six years ago. It was a game These are the best times as a ref”.
Next time you’re at a local rink, you
having a role in a game he loves. game safer, like the new head contact 5 playoff contest between the Major might fi nd Colin on the ice doing what

When he started reffing, he played penalty. Referees are there not only Bantam Seaway Valley Rapids and he loves.

hockey and reffed in “The time that to offi ciate the game, but also to make
was left in the week”. He coached for certain the game is played in as safe a attention Former Cornwall Royals Players

about five years before taking a seven- manner as possible.
1971-1982

Wendy MacDonald

has a large collection

of photographs taken
by her father Vernon

MacDonald.

If you played for
the Royals between

1971-1982, she may

have photos of you.

To arrange to

obtain them (FREE)
contact Wendy.

613-933-4003

vmacdonald6@cogeco.ca
Local Referee Colin Ashby has a love and passion for the game.
Submitted photo