b'Kirsten Welsh (continued from page 3)Id typically see plays develop.But when youre ociating, you need to be aware of all the players, even those who might be uninvolved with the ac-tion at a given moment.Shechuckles.Ivecertainly learned a greater respect for the of- cials job!I even had to change my skating style.When youre playing, youre accustomedtousingyourstickforKirsten, same exposure camp, honing skills for future goals.balance.It felt strange atrst, skating without it.Thementalaspectofthejob hasproventobeanotherlearningKirsten during herrst exposure camp on her way to a rookie camp for referee.experience.Naturally, knowledge of the ruleof the players and for controlling theanother NHL ociating hopeful.book is critical.You have to make agame, so you have to be con dent inKatieGuaywasanotherofthe decision on the spot, and possibly ex- yourself. four women selected at the combine, plain a ruling to coaches and players. So far, so good she reports. and she suggested I attend.She has Con dence,sheadds,isjustasI am where I need to be physi- anamazingresume,withalotof important as knowing the rules. And cally and improving with my on-iceyearsociatingexperiencealready possiblythekeytoherfutureinpositioning.Itsthementalaspectunder her belt, and the kind of calm ociating. that Im giving greatest attention to. demeanouryouneedasareferee. Blackstock native Kirsten Welsh during her playing days with the It might be the most signi cantThe seminar in Elmira representsShes been a great mentor. Whitby Jr. Wolves.factor in long-term success.As an of- yetanotherpieceofthepuzzle.KirstensociatingcareerwillKirstensinvitationcamethroughstart in earnest in January 2020, ironi- cally in the same NCAA division where she so recentlycial, youre responsible for the safety competed.Itll be great experience and a real jump start for me.WITH SANTA*PETWhile working 10-15 college gamespotentially trav-PHOTOSelling among three statescertainly represents her earli-est apprenticeship, theres no time limit on considering advancement to the next level.Saturday The AHL [American Hockey League, where the mi-November 23,nor league aliates of the NHL play] might be the most 10am - 2pmlogical, she explains.Even through a staticky phone connection, her ambition and passion are evident.First female ocial in the NHL.?That job, we joke, Only $10 would certainly ramp up her travelling schedule beyond its already-busy pace.S.A.N.D. Auto You never know, she replies simply.Theres no hesitancy in her responseonly modesty YOU DRIVE IT WE FIX IT and realism, underlying a quiet con dence in her current path and her abilities.Just the kind of attributes youd Repairs to all makes and models. need to rise to the highest level of any profession.And S.A.N.D. Auto Repair provides a wide varietyjust the kind of attitude youd need to be a trailblazer.of professional automotive servicesBy Scott Mercer, Focus on Scugogperformed by licensed auto mechanics.Contact us today for your auto repair andA note from Kirstens mommaintenance needs. Just a little note, Kirsten played for Brad Bricknell for thePHOTOS BYDurham Ice Breakers Summer Tournament team when JONATHAN VAN BILSEN she was 14, I think, and he was instrumental in developing 15829 Simcoe St. S., For appointment call Pet Valu, SmartCentre her as a premier hockey player. She was the only girl on the team and he gave her the opportunity to play with (Ultramar Station) 905-985-3223 high-level AAA players. I would love to give kudos to Brad, Port Perry905-985-3737 *Minimum Donation - $10.as he is a wonderful coach!Proceeds to the Dog Guides of Canada.4 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2019'