Normally, IIHF-sanctioned tournaments feature on-ice officiating crews from a host of different nations. This year, due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions and the demands of the Bubble in Edmonton, the IIHF will use all-Canadian crews of referees and linesmen to officiate the games at the 2020-21 World Junior Championships.
Right now, in all leagues and at all levels, staffing the officiating crews for games is a real challenge. As such, I have no complaints about the decision the IIHF and officiating director Sergei Gontcharov made to go with all Canada-based officiating crews.
Thanksgiving Weekend Thoughts
I hope that all readers in the United States had a safe, healthy and as enjoyable as possible under the circumstances of a Thanksgiving holiday in this most difficult and trying of years. I am thankful for my family, friends, our great sport and for life itself. I played golf recently for the first time since undergoing hip replacement surgery.
Also a huge thanks go out to our first responders, doctors, scientists, essential workers, active duty service people and veterans.
Time flies department: This week marks 41 years since I made my NHL debut for the Quebec Nordiques against the Boston Bruins on Thanksgiving 1979.
Ya Wanna Go Again?
For Black Friday weekend, I have created a 20% off coupon code for all orders of my autobiography, Ya Wanna Go?, at http://YaWannaGo.com. The code is FRIDAY (not to be confused with famous NHL/WHA referee Bill Friday). Happy holidays!
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A 2018 inductee into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Visit Paul's official websites, YaWannaGo.com and Officiating by Stewart.
Blogger •Former NHL Referee • 
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