Two Hockey Manitoba officials have been selected by Hockey Canada to attend the Western Officials’ Program of Excellence (OPOE) event in Richmond, BC from September 26-28, 2014.

The OPOE is designed as an officiating talent identification and training program for elite officiating prospects, extending beyond Branch officiating development. The OPOE is a partnership, which includes Hockey Canada and its Member Branches, the National Hockey League and the Canadian Hockey League. All partners bring together resources in order to foster a rewarding development opportunity for officials identified and trained in the OPOE.

Selected to attend the 2014 Western OPOE are:

Cayle Hutlet (Referee), Brandon – Cayle is a level IV official and has experience refereeing in the MJHL, KJHL, and Midget AAA league. He is an  HCOP instructor. In October 2013, Cayle was selected to represent Hockey Manitoba at the Western U16 Challenge, where he refereed the Bronze Medal game. In April 2013, Cayle lined at the Western Canadian Junior B Championship – Keystone Cup.

Brett Thiessen (Linesman), Interlake – Brett is a level IV official, and has experience lining in the MJHL, KJHL, MMJHL and the Midget AAA league. He is also an HCOP instructor and is involved in mentoring officials within Interlake & Winnipeg. In October 2013, Brett was selected to represent Hockey Manitoba at the Western U16 Challenge, where he lined the Bronze Medal game as well. In April 2013, Brett was selected to line at the Western Canadian Junior B Championship – Keystone Cup.

Only 15 officials from all of Western Canada are selected each season to attend this event. Referees nominated to attend this event must hold either a level IV or V certification and linesman must be a certified at a minimum of Level III. Hockey Canada uses the OPOE as a training ground, and often official’s selections for tournaments such as the World Under 17 Championship are made based upon selection and performance at the OPOE.