BCHL announces 2026 Officiating Combine May 29 to 31 in Langley

The BCHL has announced its second annual Officiating Combine May 29 to 31 in Langley, B.C.

This year’s event will include on-ice evaluations, classroom sessions, fitness testing and guest speakers, providing their insight and expertise. The 2026 camp will also move to a three-day schedule, allowing for more time on the ice.

Following last year’s camp, seven of 31 participants received the opportunity to officiate BCHL games during the 2025-26 BCHL season.

The Officiating Combine will once again be run by Brad Lazarowich, the BCHL’s Vice President of Hockey Operations, a former 30-year National Hockey League (NHL) official and currently an Officiating Manager in the American Hockey League (AHL).

“We are excited to bring this camp back and build off of the success of last year’s Combine,” said Lazarowich. “Our officiating program has become a leader in sending officials to the professional ranks, so this event is a great opportunity for young talent to join our team and get on that same development track.”

In recent years, the BCHL Officiating Department has achieved several milestones:

·                  Referee Ben Betker hired to work in the NHL

• Referees Koletrane Wilson and Sydney Harris and linespersons Matt Williams, Chase Eising, Brad Ewing, Tyson Phillips and Scott Allan, among others, hired to work in the AHL
• Linespersons Colleen Butler, Matt Williams and Chase Eising hired to work in the PWHL
• Referees Jamie Pavia, Eliot Grauer and Sydney Harris hired to work in the ECHL
• Linesperson Scott Allan worked the 2026 World Juniors in Minnesota
• Officials Sydney Harris, Katie Glover and Ashley Johnston worked the World U18 Women’s Championship
• 12 BCHL officials invited to the 2025 NHL Officiating Combine in Buffalo, N.Y.

The 2025 guest speakers included:

·                  Al Kimmel – Officiating Manager, NHL

• Graedy Hamilton – NHL Referee, former BCHL official
• Stephen Thomson – Vice President of Hockey Operations, American Hockey League (AHL)

This year’s combine will also include the Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL), with their Commissioner Richard Nault in attendance.

“Through our alliance with the JPHL, we have used many of their officials in BCHL games this season,” said Lazarowich. “We work closely with them when it comes to officiating , so camp attendees will also have the opportunity to work in their league with the goal of eventually joining the BCHL department.”

Camp Details

·                  Dates: May 29 – 31, 2026 (Friday-Sunday)

• Location: Langley Sportsplex – Langley, B.C.
• Cost: $325 CAD (option to use payment plan with deposit)
• Open to both male and female officials
• Two lunches and continental breakfasts provided
• Space is limited
• On-site athletic therapist
• Welcome gift

Click here to register. Deadline for applications is Friday, May 8.