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Tues, Dec 26
Today we began our journey to Windsor ON for the 2012 World U17 Challenge. Lucas
Martin Hudec and Fraser Lawrence were fortunate enough to be given this opportunity.
Lucas flew out of Calgary with Reid Anderson, the other Albertan, while Fraser travelled
alone out of Edmonton. We left above zero temperatures before landing in Toronto after
3.5 hours and were welcomed to a snowstorm. Reid and Lucas were the second last
plane to arrive and found the host committee waiting for us. Fraser took a little longer
to arrive but eventually all boarded our "COOL BUS." With us were 7 other officials
from BC, Quebec, and Newfoundland. We were fed and enjoyed the 4.5 hour drive in
the snowstorm to Windsor. We checked into our hotel and headed out for a bite to eat
before going to bed.
Wed, Dec 28
Our first full day in Windsor started off with a meeting where we met the tournament
Referee-In-Chief, Brad Howard, along with the rest of the Ontario officials. In all there
were 17 of us with 6 being referees and 11 linesmen. Other supervisors included
Rick Morphew from Ontario, Lance Roberts from the NHL and Greg Boyd an ex WHL
official.The meeting went over the rules as we had to adapt the IIHF rules for the
tournament. There was some good discussion and video review as we all got on the
same page as one another. At the end we received our first days assignments, crests
and helmets. After lunch some of us had "arts and crafts" time where we spent a couple
hours sewing on our crests and putting our helmets together. We had a few challenges
but all managed to get everything done. Then we all got prepared for our exhibition
assignments. Lucas had a game between Pacific vs. Sweden. It was a spirited game as
both teams were anxious to get on the ice. Pacific ended up being too strong and won
4-1. Fraser worked a good game between Quebec and Russia. It was good to get on
the ice and have a game to work out the differences with what we are use to.
Thurs, Dec 29
Today began the preliminary round of the tournament. We had another meeting in the
morning to discuss some of the situations that arose the night before. Lucas was given
the day off from the ice but was a standby official for a game between Pacific and West.
Fraser had an afternoon game between Ontario and Germany.
Fri, Dec 30
Lucas was on the ice for a great game between U.S.A. and Russia, which ended up
being a preview of the final. I was a great game that had the Americans outshooting
the Russian 53 to 25. The Russian goaltender played amazing and won his team the
game 3-2. Fraser had his turn as the standby official for a game between Ontario and
Sweden.
Sat, Dec 31
New Years Eve had Fraser working a game between two of the weaker teams in the
tournament. It was a really good game with the Czech Republic beating the West.
Lucas had a game between Quebec and Sweden. It went back and forth with the
Swedes coming out on top. We rung in the new year as a group before heading back to
the hotel to get some sleep for more preliminary round games.
Sun, Jan 1
Lucas was given the day off from the ice but was a standby for the game between
West and USA. West was still looking for their first win of the tournament but could not
beat the Americans. Fraser had game that turned into a war with Ontario and Atlantic.
Ontario came out with the win and remained perfect throughout the tournament.
Mon, Jan 2
This was the last preliminary day of the tournament and all of the playoff spots were
still to be decided. Fraser was the back up for the game between Pacific and USA.
The USA needed a win to pull even with team Pacific in pool A. Lucas worked the
game between West and Russia. A Russian win would, along with a Pacific loss, would
create a three way tie atop the standings. The games played out and all 3 were tied
with 3-1 records. Pacific, after leading the standings all week were placed 3rd based
on goals for and against. It was too bad 1 of these 3 very strong teams had to be
eliminated as all were gold medal candidates. After the games we patiently awaited
the upcoming assignments. Discussion with the referees concluded with the games
would be continuing as 4-man for the remainder of the tournament. This meant that 4
referees would skate 2 games on the relegation and semi final day. With approval of the
assignments being needed we had to wait until the morning to find out who was working
which games.
Tues, Jan 3
We awoke to our daily meeting where we received the days assignments. Lucas
received a relegation game between Germany and West. Germany won and left the
West as the first winless Canadian team since 2005. It was a decent game to end the
tournament for Lucas as a spot in the finals was not meant to be. Fraser was scheduled
for 2 games, the first being the semi final between Sweden and USA. The game close
throughout and went into a shootout. The Americans won and earned a spot in the final.
Fraser's second game was a relegation game between Atlantic and the Czech Republic.
After all the games we had a meeting that night where the final assignments were to be
given. Fraser's name was called for the Gold Medal Game. There was no suprise as to
this as Fraser was fantastic all week. It was time to #fearthefrase as it was #backtoback
for Fraser.
Wed, Jan 4
The gold medal day had provided some of us with the day off. Lucas and some of the
other west boys bought some merchandise while waiting to watch Fraser skate. In
the bronze medal game, Ontario beat Sweden to clinch a medal for the host province.
The officiating crew was made up of the 4 officials from Quebec. In the gold medal
game Fraser was joined by 3 Ontario officials. The matchup between USA and Russia
was very exciting and had an excellent finish. Russia won 7-4 scoring 2 empty net
goals. Those Russians sure embraced the victory and had an unbelievable post game
celebration. We also decided we needed to celebrate and went out as a group. Since
TSN had the game on tape delay we got to see Fraser's face all over the TVs as he
made good call after good call. We wrapped up the night and all packed up our things
as we had to board our bus at 6am.
Thurs, Jan 5
We were up early and on our way back to Toronto. Since some guys had early flights
we had to be at the airport early. Fraser, Reid and Lucas did not leave until 4pm so a
6 hour wait in the airport was necessary but it gave us time to reflect upon the week
we just had. We both are very grateful for the opportunity to have this experience and
we both had a great time. Thanks to all who have helped us along the way, we are
fortunate to be involved with a great zone and group of officials. This was an experience
that we will never forget.
Fraser Lawrence
Lucas Martin Hudec |
