GMHL Partner with NHL Officials Development Program

The Greater Metro Junior 'A' Hockey League Official's Group has made an exciting partnership beginning for the 2016-17 season.

GMHL Officials Leadership Group & Al Kimmel (NHL Officials Manager) have partnered together to place semi-pro players into officiating positions.

 Spearheading the agreement was GMHL Director of Officials Al Zimmer : "We are now working with Al Kimmel (NHL Officials Manager) to place 2nd & 3rd tier candidates from the NHL - AHL officiating training camps into our program. These upcoming officials are aged out high calibre semi-pro & pro players from the tier 1 & 2 ranks. They will make terrific officials and we are pleased to partner with the NHL to place some of these eager candidates."

For over a decade, the GMHL has served as a premier development league for players, coaches and managers from around the world, helping hundreds advance to the college and pro level. We are very proud to be having high level, motivated officials and preparing them for the professional level of hockey.

"Everyone in the league is ecstatic about this partnership," said GMHL Commissioner Ken Girard, "our official's training program is an area our league prides itself on and to have the highest level of the game recognize our infrastructure & want to be a part of it speaks volumes."

This year's NHL Officials camp will be hosted at the Buffalo Sabres Harbour front Center - Aug, 18th to the 21st. Although it leaves little time for Kevin Thompson's Training & Development Department to incorporate new recruits into the program, the GMHL is committed to introducing these new officials to the ice as early as October. As many as 5 - 10 positions could be offered for this year's official's roster.