b'Rookie Ref Making all the Right CallsNO SURPRISE, KIRSTEN WELSH IS ON THE ROAD AGAIN. Kirsten WelshGoing through the mountains inWalkom, a former National Hockeytive.Intheend,shechoseRobert Pennsylvania,sheexplainsascellLeaguerefereewhonowservesMorris University in Pittsburgh.receptionplaguesourconversation.asVice-PresidentandDirectorofLogan was one of the people I met Onmywayhome[toPittsburgh]Ociating for the league, has playedwhen I was being recruited, and one from Elmira, New York. an active role in encouraging Kirstenof the reasons I decided on Morris, Her overnight stay in Elmira helpstoward a lofty goal. she says.Their coaching staand explain why Kirsten is an especiallyStephensastrongadvocateofthe environment they created helped busy young woman, and hints howdevelopingfemaleocialsfortheget me where I am today.her travel schedule may soon explode. NHL.Hes kept in contact with me. She honed a reputation as a tough Just coming back from a referee- Armed with Bittles endorsement,competitoroverfourseasonsof ing seminar, she says.They told usWalkomprovidedtheinitialstepNCAA college play with the Robert what to expect this upcoming seasontoward Kirstens potential change ofMorris Colonials.With a spot on theplus some practical tips on position- vocation.She was invited to an NHLCanadiannationalwomensteam ing in speci c situations so we canrefereeingcombine,andultimatelyseeming out of reach, and trying out better see the play, that sort of thing.woundupasoneoffourwomenfor a womens professional team im-And also their points of emphasisselected.In the fall of 2019, she gotpractical,herMay2019graduation from the rulebook this year. hertaste of big-league competi- mighthavespelledtheendforherrst Notthatlongago,22-yearoldtion, serving as linesman (and in onehockey career.Kirstenharbourednoaspirationscase, referee) for three NHL prospectUntil fate intervened.to become a hockey refereeat anygames, pre-season tilts that featureThe transition from player to o-level of competition.But occasionallyteams brightest hopefuls. cial has been challenging, she admits.fate delivers what imagination mightItwasanamazingexperience,Itsacompletelydi erentper-not even consider.With a passionateshe said of the games, held in Bu alo.spective, a real culture shock.As a dreamnewlyignited,theskysherTheplayerstreatedmewiththeplayer, you dont have to beat the play limit. same respect they would any ocial. [to the opposite blueline] every time, StephenWalkomapproachedWhilenewbehindthewhistle,butasalinesmanyoudo. Agame my university assistant coach, LoganKirsten is certainly no newcomer toislike60minutesofwindsprints! Bittle.Logan recommended me, andhockey.Playing in Whitby and stillBecause I played defense with Morris, things happened quickly from there. attending Grade 11, several American Talk about friends in high places.schoolsscoutedtheBlackstockna- Please turn to page 4FOCUS - NOVEMBER 20193'