Shannon Coulter
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has announced the officiating roster for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Ten Hockey Canada officials—five referees and five linespersons—will take part in the tournament in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The officials are: Referees:
Linespersons:
The IIHF has also selected Vanessa Stratton (Windsor, ON), women’s head coach of Hockey Canada’s Officiating Program of Excellence, to serve as an officiating coach for the women’s tournament. “Officiating at the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of an amateur official’s career,” said Dan Hanoomansingh, officiating manager. “These officials have been working tirelessly towards this goal for the last four years, and it is a credit to their determination and skill that they have made it a reality.” The selected officials participated in a lengthy evaluation process beginning in 2023 as part of the IIHF’s “Road to Milano.” Officials were evaluated in domestic competition, professional hockey and multiple IIHF tournaments prior to their final selection. The officials for the men’s tournament will gather for a preparation camp in August in Buffalo, New York. The officials for the women’s tournament will attend a preparation camp in December in Europe. The Hockey Canada Officiating Program is for anyone who is interested in officiating, from the grassroots to the international game. The 13 Members provide a path for anyone to participate in officiating, develop a love for the game and achieve their goals. For more information about the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, visit HockeyCanada.ca/Officials.