I continue to get requests on officiating and all questions are not only welcome they are sincere. For those attending or watching the Canuck game against Phoenix ( 5 - 2 Canuck win) it was interesting to note who officiated. Two of the four officials working the game are from the lower mainland.

Both individuals have come through a highly successful Hockey Canada officiating program, and never once did they question themselves as to why they were attempting to get into an area of such controversy.

Brad Lazarowich not only is a close personal friend he hails from Delta and started his officiating at an early age of 12, while Kelly Sutherland started in Richmond at age 13.

Brad did his first NHL game on October 10, 1986 while Kelly did his first game December 19, 2000.Entering this season Brad has officiated 1302 games and did 74 games in 05/06. Kelly or "Suds-ie" to his friends has officiated 304 and managed to stay healthy to Ref 72 games in 05/06.

The life style is fine for single officials, but for those who are married or in a relationship it takes it's toll on family life. In conversation with Brad he told me "out of all my games this season I have only officiated two in Vancouver". Would he change his life style - not for a minute, nor would Kelly. It's about having a personality, being honest and being yourself. Don't try to be someone else or "make up an answer" as it does more harm than good for your career.

Interesting to watch the young officials from Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey have a session with all four game officials following the game.

After completing the post game ritual they came out of the room at GM Place to spend quality time with about 35 young officials, both male and female. Questions were asked and honest answers were given. Not one question got put aside.

If one stands back and listens to the questions from the young upcoming officials you grasp the sincerity they show or possess toward this new found love, not to mention it's a good pass time and pay fairly well.

Following a lengthy session (35-45 minutes) the NHL officials had to leave due to prior travel arrangements for connecting flights.

Not much distinguishes them from each other. Both have a passion for the game and a yearning to be the best.

The world evolves around change and the ability to teach the youth. Spending quality time such as I witnessed is something no one can put a value on. It's priceless and the up and coming officials should they stay with the program, it'll only enhance Canada's National Winter sport.

While Ball Hockey uses only two officials this exercise can be beneficial to you and the game, should you use it to your advantage. Reaching the next level of your officiating level is easily achieved, but mostly it how bad you want it?

In order of excelling to the next level so as to have a better understanding of the game as well as officiating, I have put together a number of questions for you to ponder next time you attend a game. Be honest with yourself and in doing so you can achieve greatness.

I request all officials attend a game of high standards such as the Canucks (NHL), Giants (WHL) or a BCHL game in order to observe some senior officials that have taken their skill level to new heights. Although some might question this, they have achieved a high level and continue to work on improving the skill wishing to make to the next step. Watch, observe and learn from these officials. They are at this level for a reason.

1) How did the officials arrive at the game and what (if anything) was noticed during the pre-game?

3) What was the positioning for the Referee during problem situations after a whistle and how did they handle these situations?

4) Was he/she able to position himself in a manner to watch each altercation and assess the correct penalties?

5) For linesman when a face-off was taking place in the neutral zone for reasons of an offside where did the linesman not taking the face-off position himself? Why?

6) Who controlled the face-off violation should one occur? How was it handled and what was the time frame (number of seconds) it took?

7) Who blew the whistle at the end of the period - Referee of Linesman? Why did this person do this?

8) On icing situations how deep did the front linesman proceed into the attacking zone when a call was made?

9) Should an icing be waved off at what point was it waved off? Could you tell why it was waved off? Did the back linesman give a second signal to indicate he was aware of this taking place?

10) What distance did the linesman stand from the boards during the game? Did you notice them wandering out from the boards and if so explain the circumstance surrounding these situations?

11) Who controlled the bench at the conclusion of the second period of play? Did the team listen to the request and where were the linesman positioned during this time period?

12) How did the linesman escort a player to the penalty bench when only one penalty was assessed to either team?

13) How did the both linesman escort players from each team to the penalty box should more than one penalty be assessed to either team?

14) Did any situations arise that indicated the Referee was unsure or unaware of situations taking place on the ice? If so please explain?

15) Did any situation arise that one or both Linesman were not working together in areas such as communication, covering of basic signals?

16) When the officials first came on the ice what was the attitude of the officials? Did they appear "cocky" and seem to have an attitude of arrogance" surrounding them?

19) Rating the game, performance level, management skill, game control and positioning where would you rate the officials on a scale off 1 to 10 with 1 being the low end?

20) Being honest with yourself what do you feel you learned from watching senior officials and how can you adapt it to your level of game?

21) How did the Referee work with the game timekeeper and how were penalties assessed? Rushed or controlled?

Again - this is an exercise for your benefit and although it's a night off, it's a learning experience and no one can put a price on learning.