The dream of reffing in the National Hockey League is taking one more step toward reality for a couple of young men from Southern Manitoba. Altona's Brett Dick and Noah Letkeman learned this week they have been accepted into the NHL's 2017 Amateur Officiating Camp in August in Buffalo, New York. Aspiring refs from across North America will be participating in the on and off ice training, with many of them sharing the dream of one day calling off-sides and hooking penalties in the NHL.

Noah has been reffing for about six years and playing hockey since he could strap on the skates. Brett has been reffing for seven years, and has been playing since he was about three years old. The two are quite looking forward to improving their skills this summer.

 

"Hockey's always been in my veins just growing up on the ice, being around the game," said Noah. He says however, it got to the point where he didn't have time to play anymore so he turned to reffing. "Helping the kids learn to the play the game is a lot of fun for me."

As for their favourite part of being a referee, Noah says he loves joining the kids on the ice adding there's nothing better than being out there with them. "It's a good way to spend a weekend."

Brett says he loves the high intensity action that comes with the job. "It's a little bit different than playing but I almost find it more fun just to be right in the action, be right involved."

For both Brett and Noah, being able to one day ref in the National Hockey League would be a dream come true.