GP Minor Hockey Association is in dire need of officials, especially adult referees. 

Across the province, including the Grande Prairie area, there is a shortage of officials in minor hockey. The area spreads from Grande Cache to the Northwest Territories.  

Right now, they currently have 188 officials in the area, including 12 in the Fort St. John area. Ninety of the officials are adults.

With over 3,000 games a winter, the officials are being spread out depending on age and the skill level that they can officiate. 

DJ Golden, President of the GP Minor Hockey Association, says that officials need to be 12 years old to become an official, but you do need to take an official's course.  

“Hockey Alberta puts the courses on, they are done throughout the region at various locations.” 

There are six upcoming clinics across the Peace region: 

  • October 29 in La Crete and Beaverlodge 

  • October 30 in Ridgevalley 

  • November 5, two clinics in Grande Prairie 

  • November 6 in Valleyview 

Before attending the clinics those interested need to take an online course. 

For a complete list on upcoming referee clinics click here.