The Officiating of the Warriors and Pats Hockey Game

By Richard Dowson Opinion/Commentary

Before moving to Moose Jaw my ‘home-team’ was the AJHL Bonnyville Pontiacs. I attended Pontiac’s games as often as possible because I enjoy the game of hockey.

My ‘home-team’ now, of course, is the Warriors.

I get to as many Warrior games as possible. I’m a hockey fan first and a Warriors fan second. I love the game – the passing – the skating and the intensity young players pour into every shift. When a hockey team is clicking, it is like a fine ballet on ice.

In my opinion, the Friday October 30, 2026 game between the Pats and the Warriors was the worst officiated game I have seen in a very long time.

It was anything but a ‘ballet on ice’. The officiating wasn’t one sided. It was equally awful for the Pats and the Warriors.

Junior hockey is about development. It is a time when the ‘kids’ learn the system and grow as players.

The officiating on October 30th made little or no sense.

The multitude of penalties destroyed the flow of the game and ruined a great night of entertainment. Players on both teams were unable to work on normal team skills. It seemed to be penalty after penalty.

Being a referee in any sport can be thankless. We need referees and should respect them. But they have to understand each team is developing players for university, college and, hopefully, for the profession level.

Don’t be blowing the whistle all the time. Keep the game going as long and smooth as possible. Give the players a break – and the fans a chance to enjoy the flow of a beautiful game.