It is easy sometimes to focus on the negatives about the state of our sport, whether it's on the playing, coaching, administrative or officiating side. I've written in the past about my concerns with the recruiting, development and retention of referees and linesman. When we get bombarded with negativity, it's great to get a reminder that there's reason for hope and optimism.

It was my true pleasure this past weekend to be one of the presenters at the USA Hockey Advanced Officiating Symposium in Providence, RI. First and foremost, my heartfelt congratulations go out to 200 officials who earned their tenured status. This was a tremendous group of dedicated men and women who are passionate about the game and driven to help elevate the state of the game.

I've spent the last few days with the famous "In Flanders Field" poem turning in my mind: To you from failing hands we throw the torch be yours to hold it high. It is my hope that everyone who was present at our Marriott meeting site had as much fun, learned a bit and made as many new friends in our officiating world as I did.


One constant in our profession is that there are always new things to learn and fundamentals that be further polished. There's no such thing as being in too well-prepared, too knowledgeable about the Rule Book (on either the practical application side or the historical aspect that came to create each rule in the first place). We all make mistakes of judgment. It's how we learn from them that matters.



When I first read the poem, "In Flanders Fields," it was a verse written about people who go to battle and lose their lives. The senseless aspects of war continue to prosper even as we speak. Even those who return, able physically, often bear the deepest of internal scars. I enjoy studying military history for both the strategic and technological changes over time, but the human cost is never lost upon me.

I do not think it is accurate to equate sports to bonafide warfare. No matter how competitive, emotional or physical, it's still just a game. Thus, it has always seemed incongruous to see the aforementioned poem inscribed on the wall of The Montreal Canadiens dressing room, essentially equating battles in Flanders Field with sporting competition between Les Habs and the Bruins or other NHL teams.

I never want to trivialize the experiences of our veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Nevertheless, it is hard sometimes as a retired official and retired player to feel like there was a time for me on the ice and a time for me to help the next generation.

The game has changed. Yet, for me, I have found a certain personal sporting poignancy to the verse that adorns the Montreal Canadiens dressing room. My day has come and gone. I am 68 years old. I can no longer skate with the authority, the speed and power that the modern game demands.

That's OK. I had my time, and I had a blast. Even so, as long as we have breath in our body, we all need to retain a purpose in life; a reason to get up and to keep going. Additionally, there is a need in me to share what I have been given from great teachers and the experiences that I had chasing pucks all over the world.

This is why I feel particularly charged up when I get to participate in events like the Advanced Officiating Symposium. Just for a few hours, I see the game anew through the eyes of young officials on the rise in their careers. Any small thing I can do to help you in your process is an honor.

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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