Congrats to my son, local high-level Referee Drake Robinson, who has been assigned once again by Hockey Canada to officiate at the 2023 Para Cup Sledge Hockey Tournament in Quispamsis, (just outside of Saint John) New Brunswick December 3rd to 9th at the Q-Plex.
(Above: The Para Cup 2022 in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia opening ceremony.)
Some of the action will be carried on TSN. The tournament will feature teams from Canada, the United States, China and Czechia.
Last year, he worked the tournament in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
(Above: Drake drops the puck at the LCLC in Bridgewater, November27, 2022.)
Drake said it was a totally different officiating experience from officiating in the MHL, Maritime Hockey League or AUS Atlantic University Sport leagues.
He couldn’t believe the speed of the players, the strength, accuracy and agility of the shots, plus how they played the puck with drop passes and pretty set up plays.
He also mentioned not to tap the goalies on their gloves after a nice save as their gloves have ice pics on them to help them get around in the crease. He’d get a bloody hand if he did do his normal hand tap routine with the goaltenders after a big play.
Good luck to all the officials and teams at the 2023 Para Cup Sledge Hockey Tournament in New Brunswick.
For more tournament info please click HERE.
-Ian
(Credits: Ian Robinson Photos and HockeyCanada.ca)
