Brandon Bourgeois Is The Hockey Ref Shop July Official Of The Month
Congratulations to Brandon Bourgeois for being selected as the July Official Of The Month!
The Hockey Ref Shop Official Of The Month is a monthly program that recognizes officials from across the world for the great work that they do!
Check out out interview with Brandon Bourgeois below:
Name: Brandon Bourgeois
Age: 25
Home Town: Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Current Town: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Years of officiating experience: 6
What do you enjoy to do outside of officiating?:
Reading and being outdoors.
When and why did you start officiating?:
Was in university in Ottawa, finished playing junior B, and decided to make some money. Refereeing seemed like a great part-time job to take while in school.
What is your greatest memory or proudest moment as an official?:
Being able to work this season in the AHL as a local linesman while finishing school.
What made your start the Team Stripes podcast?:
Kept hearing about how officials needed good online learning tools - a major focus of my degree at university was around e-learning, so I kind of put two and two together and decided to create a learning tool for referees. Plus it seemed like a fun project!
How can our readers listen to the Team Stripes podcast?:
They can check it out out https://soundcloud.com/team-stripes or at our website www.teamstripes.ca
Do you have any superstitious pre-game rituals?:
Not really - I try and get a good warmup in and stretch properly. For games in the AHL this season I tried to do quite a bit of mental preparation to review things like hybrid icings, being in proper position, and running good face-offs.
Why do you think others should try officiating?:
It's a great way to learn great life skills - and become part of a group of tightly knit people. I've found no matter where you go - if you meet another ref you are immediately able to get along with those people!
What advise would you give to a new official entering their first season?:
Be a sponge. I learn something new every game, so especially as a new official try to take everything in. Also - have fun. There's going to be tough times in your first year dealing with coaches and players - but once you get past your first year you'll come to love being at the rink doing games.
List some general pro tips or words of wisdom that may help other officials improve their game:
For referees - get to the net! Most important skill for a referee nowadays. For linesman - own that face-off dot. It's our office. Communicate and run a fair face-off!
How did you hear about Hockey Ref Shop?:
Social media!
Equipment setup:
Helmet/Visor: CCM
Sweater: CCM
Pants: Stevens
Whistle: ACME
Shin Tights: Force
Skates: Bauer
Protective: Reebok
Every month, officials are encouraged to apply for a chance to become "Official Of The Month". The Official Of The Month will be featured on our Referee's Crease blog and will also receive a free gift from Hockey Ref Shop.
If you would like to submit yourself or nominate a friend for the August Official Of The Month please send us a short email to HockeyRefShop@gmail.com on why you (or your friend) should be selected.
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