WINNIPEG- Hockey Manitoba is pleased to introduce Grant Heather as the new Director of Officials, the volunteer head of the organization's officiating program. Grant replaces Garth Leoppky who served in the position over the last year. Grant's father, Ian, previously held the position then known as Referee-in-Chief, for a dedicated nine seasons.

Grant Heather comments on his new position, "I am honoured to have been appointed as the Director of Officials for Hockey Manitoba and to follow in the footsteps of some great leaders. I am excited to work with, and for, all officials in improving the game of hockey, and ensuring that opportunities are provided to officials to further their careers."

Heather has been an active member of the Hockey Manitoba Officials program for over 20 years, both on and off the ice. He is a retired Level IV official who has officiated in the province's top leagues such as the MJHL (Jr. A), KJHL (Jr. B), MMJHL (Jr. OA), Midget AAA, and also in the university ranks with the CIS. Off the ice, Heather is the Referee-in-Chief of the KJHL (Jr. B), also spent three seasons as Referee-in-Chief of the Manitoba Women's Junior Hockey League (MWJHL), and he has held various coordinator positions with Hockey Winnipeg, Interlake Minor Hockey, and Midget AAA. Further proving his leadership ability is his commitment to officials mentorship and supervision both at elite and developmental levels.

2012-13 Hockey Manitoba Officials Development Committee:

Grant Heather (Winnipeg) – Director of Officials

Peter George (Brandon) – Education and Training

Jack Reynolds (Brandon) – Evaluation and Mentorship

Greg MacDonald (Headlingley) – High Performance

Harvey Nichol (Bagot) – Chair, Regional Coordinators (Grassroots)

For more information about the Hockey Manitoba Officials program please visit www.hockeymanitoba.ca/officials.php.