 In the fast-paced and often intense world of hockey, officials play a pivotal role in ensuring the game is played fairly and with respect. Among these dedicated professionals, Russ Rubinson stands out as a prime example of what it means to be a true leader in the sport. For his outstanding dedication, professionalism, and commitment to shaping the future of hockey, Russ is not only one of our Standout Stripes but also the recipient of Ref’s Crease first ever award! Russ has been selected for the 2024 Terry Partridge Beyond the Whistle Award. This prestigious award, named in honor of Terry Partridge, recognizes the exceptional contributions of referees who not only demonstrate a high level of professionalism on the ice but also embody the spirit of fairness, responsibility, and passion off the ice. The award will be presented at the USPHL National Championships on Friday March 21st. This award marks the first-ever award of its kind for Ref’s Crease. “Every game Russ gives 110% on and off the ice. He’s a pleasure to have on staff and wish I could have 20 of him to work with - he’s work ethic and enthusiasm is exceptional. Russ is a true inspiration to all officials and is beyond deserving of this award,” says Gene Binda, Founder of Ref’s Crease.” This sentiment reflects Russ’s unwavering commitment and the respect he’s earned from both peers and players across the hockey community. A Decade of Dedication Russ’s journey as an official began in the 2015-2016 season, marking nearly a decade of service in the world of junior and college-level hockey. Over the years, he’s refined his skills, learned from some of the best in the industry, and developed a deep love for the game. His work as an official spans across multiple leagues, with a focus on the junior and collegiate ranks. One of the key influences on Russ’s development as an official has been his involvement with Ref’s Crease. In his second season working full-time with the organization, Russ highlights how Ref’s Crease has helped shape his career. "Ref's Crease has provided me with the opportunity to learn from seasoned officials. It’s a place where professionalism is instilled both on and off the ice, and that has been invaluable in my development,” Russ shared.  Humble Learning and Growth Russ recalls a particularly memorable experience working an NCAA D2 college game, where he had the opportunity to learn from some of the best officials in the business. Additionally, his time officiating at the Utica USPHL Nationals was a highlight, where he worked alongside top-tier officials and was humbled by the chance to learn firsthand from their expertise. "Being surrounded by such experienced officials is a humbling experience," he said. "It’s a chance to learn and grow, and I take every opportunity to absorb knowledge from those around me."  Advice for Aspiring Officials When asked about advice for future referees, Russ was quick to emphasize the importance of learning from every experience. "Don’t take criticism personally," he advises. "Even NHL officials make mistakes. If you're not learning, you're not growing. The game evolves constantly, and you need to evolve with it." For Russ, being a referee isn't just about enforcing the rules—it’s about embracing the physical and mental challenges that come with the role. "I love the challenge. It feels like being an athlete—the way you have to stay alert and skate into the right positions, anticipating the action. It’s an exciting and rewarding part of the job,” says Russ.  Honored and Excited for the Future As the first-ever recipient of the Terry Partridge Beyond the Whistle Award, Russ expressed a deep sense of gratitude and excitement. "To be the first recipient of this award is incredibly humbling. Ref's Crease is the only organization that focuses on developing officials, and to be recognized by them means the world to me. There are so many young, talented officials coming up through the ranks who deserve recognition as well, and I’m just honored to be a part of that community,” says Russ. Russ is quick to mention that resources like the Monday Night Quarterback (MNQB) Zoom series and Facebook / YouTube educational videos are key tools for any official's development, along with the hockey rulebook. "The rulebook is your best friend," he said. "Certain situations arise on the ice, and having a solid understanding of the rules can make all the difference." Looking Ahead As Russ looks toward the future, he’s excited to continue growing as an official and contributing to the game he loves. He’s deeply grateful for the opportunities he’s had so far and looks forward to what lies ahead. When asked about his favorite hockey team, Russ shared he loves watching hockey in general but if he had to pick it would be the New York Islanders since he works at that rink. He went on to share that he truly roots for the NHL Officials.  We at Ref’s Crease are incredibly proud to honor Russ Rubinson with the Terry Partridge Beyond the Whistle Award. His dedication, passion, and professionalism are an inspiration to all who share in the love of the game. Here's to many more years of officiating excellence, Russ!
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 At Ref’s Crease, we're dedicated to helping our officials grow and advance. This spring, we’re excited to offer a special opportunity to help you level up your game with the USPHL NCDC Combine Series. The remaining locations--Detroit, Southern California, Boston, and Chicago—are now open for interested officials to apply.
If you're an official aiming to advance to the college level of hockey, this is your chance to sharpen your skills, gain valuable experience, and get noticed by top scouts and coaches in the hockey world. USPHL Combines Spring Schedule For each location below, please fill out the form for the series you’re interested in working. We’ll review your application and get in touch with you directly. What’s Included?
My Journey as a Hockey Referee: Lessons Learned and Why I Love What I Do   Meet Ben Leaton, who first laced up his hockey skates at the age of 9 after discovering his passion for skating. For nearly 5 years, Ben honed his skills on the ice and learned what it means to be part of a team. “Those years of playing taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, which, I believe, have made me a better official today. At 14, I put on the stripes for the first time, officiating youth hockey games for around two years. By 16, I was getting my first taste of junior and college hockey, which is where my journey as a referee really began to take shape,” he says. Fast forward to the 2023-2024 season, where Ben had the opportunity to split his time between youth, junior, and college hockey. He shares that this is what became a game-changer for his career as a ref. His skating improved dramatically as he was officiating every weekend and working alongside veteran officials. The balance between other referee’s guidance and experience was crucial to Ben’s rapid development as an official. So far this season, Ben’s stepped up to officiate at the NCAA and SPHL levels. “The transition to higher levels of hockey has been a humbling experience, and it has taught me that patience and persistence are key. I’ve learned that making mistakes is part of the process, but the most important thing is to ask for feedback, learn from it, and keep pushing forward. No one expects you to be perfect, but they do expect you to hustle, and that’s something I strive to bring to every game,” he says. Ben’s also been able to gain valuable life lessons through officiating from respect, accountability, and the importance of being a team player. “Officiating has made me a better person, and I’m thankful for every opportunity I’ve had to grow both on and off the ice,” Ben says. How Ref’s Crease Has Helped Ben Grow One of the most significant factors in Ben’s growth as an official has been the support he’s received from Ref’s Crease. He goes on to share that the staff, especially the Binda family have been a tremendous source of support in helping him navigate the challenges of officiating at all levels. They’ve always made sure he’s challenged in his games and placed in the right situations for his development. Every Monday night, Ref’s Crease holds a Zoom call called the Monday Night Quarterback series (MNQB) to review clips from the weekend’s games. Ben shares that this has been an invaluable opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and get constructive feedback from supervisors. Whenever he’s seeking additional feedback, Ben sends in clips, and the supervisors are always eager to help. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance and support from Ref’s Crease. Having the Bindas and other supervisors in the rink with us is essential for our development, and their feedback is crucial to improving our performance as officials,” says Ben. A Noteworthy Story from the Early Days One of the most memorable experiences in Ben’s officiating career happened last year during a junior game. He rushed to the rink for a Friday night game, and in his haste, he didn’t take the time to mentally prepare. As soon as the game started, he was struck by the faster pace, and he quickly realized he wasn’t ready… which resulted in two significant mistakes within the first 20 minutes, both of which led to goals. By the end of the first period, he was feeling frustrated and disappointed with himself. The game ended, and he could barely bring himself to take off my equipment. Then, his partner came into the room and handed him the game puck, telling Ben, “Remember where you came from.” That simple gesture had a profound impact on him to this day. Although he didn’t want to remember the game, he threw the puck into his hockey bag as a reminder to learn from his mistakes. That night, he spent a lot of time reflecting on the game. The next day, he realized the importance of being mentally prepared for every game, no matter what level of hockey it is. From then on, Ben made sure to get to the rink early and give himself the time he needs to prepare and focus. That experience, painful as it was at the time, helped shape him into a more focused and disciplined official. Advice for New Referees To any new official, Ben shares that getting experience at the youth level is essential, even if you’ve played at a high level. It’s important to learn how to manage a game, and making mistakes at the youth level is much better than making them at a higher level. A positive attitude goes a long way, especially in the locker room. Be someone people enjoy working with, and they’ll be more willing to help you improve. Help others, and they’ll help you– it’s a team effort. On a physical level, working out like a hockey player is crucial for advancing as an official. A big part of being a referee is skating ability, and if you're not in the right position, it’s difficult to make the right calls. Your fitness and appearance are the first things people notice, so it’s important to be in good shape and look the part. Finally, don’t forget to have fun. Officiating is a serious job, but it’s also something to enjoy. Smile, laugh, and remember to look around every once in a while—take in the atmosphere of the rink. It’s meant to be enjoyable. Why Ben Loves Being a Referee “The best part of being a referee, without a doubt, is the people I get to work with. I’ve had the privilege of working with a great group of officials who are dedicated to taking the game seriously and still have fun on and off the ice. Sometimes, it’s the simple things—like grabbing dinner or going golfing with a few friends after a game—that help break up a long season. Having hobbies outside of officiating is essential to staying balanced and performing well during the season,” Ben says. Favorite Professional Hockey Team Ben’s favorite hockey team is the Boston Bruins - he shares that there’s nothing like watching them play!   One Referee’s Journey from Player to Pro Meet Patrick Schubert, a rising star in the officiating world whose dedication to the game and commitment to his craft are shaping him into an exceptional referee. Patrick’s journey to becoming a referee is marked by hard work, guidance from mentors, and a love for the game that started well before he picked up the whistle. All while juggling being a full-time college student. A Referee’s Journey: From Player to Official Patrick's hockey story began on the ice as a player. He skated until he was 12 years old, but after transitioning to officiating, he’s never looked back. Throughout his career, Patrick has worked his way through junior, club, and college-level games, even officiating two national tournaments last year. As a sophomore at Gettysburg College studying history, Patrick’s balancing act between school and officiating is no easy feat but he’s committed to making it work. Last semester out of 16 weekends, he was home for only two and officiating the rest. He took on his first games in women’s hockey last season including Atlantic and NEWHA, while continuing to work on the men’s side, ranging from D3 to his first D1 men’s games. “This season, I’ve been stepping up one step at a time,” he says. In every game, he focuses on improving his positioning and his decision-making, knowing that each experience makes him better. Patrick’s dad, Mike Schubert, also a referee, and Gene Binda Sr. have both been key figures in his development. He recently worked alongside both of them at the 2025 College Tampa Showcase learning the importance of mentorship in the officiating world. How Ref's Crease Has Helped Patrick Grow For Patrick, Ref's Crease has been more than just a resource—it’s been a community and a support system. Ref's Crease helped him a lot with visibility and being able to keep improving. As he continues to work his way up the officiating ladder, Patrick’s goal is to keep pushing forward—always striving to be better. Officiating, especially at a young age, teaches valuable skills that extend beyond the rink. Patrick believes that referees gain a sense of leadership and the ability to stay calm under pressure—traits that are essential in both the game and real life. "Being able to stay calm and make a decision in dramatic situations is such a valuable skill," he says. When asked about his most memorable moments, Patrick recalls how much he’s learned from communicating with coaches and other officials. “Refereeing builds a lot of leadership skills and helps you demonstrate authority in a way that people respect.” Advice for Future Referees Patrick's advice for newcomers to the officiating world is simple: "Just do it." He emphasizes that, even if you make mistakes along the way, you’ll learn and grow. "You’ll get yelled at. It happens at every level. Be prepared for it," he says. The key, according to Patrick, is to focus on moving forward, learning from every call, and striving to improve each time you hit the ice. “Work on small things like positioning. Every game, try to improve just a little bit.” The Best Part of Being a Referee Patrick’s passion for officiating is clear when he talks about his favorite parts of the job. First and foremost: skating. “It’s challenging and fun,” he says. But beyond the thrill of being on the ice, he values the camaraderie among his fellow referees. "The locker room vibes—fist bumps and high fives before the game—it makes my weekend," Patrick shares. The sense of community is something special in the world of officiating, and for Patrick, it’s one of the best parts of the job. Traveling for games is another perk that Patrick enjoys. “I get paid to travel and work at the same time,” he says, mentioning places like Boston to Nashville and even Florida. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Patrick Schubert? As Patrick continues to grow in his referee career, he’s committed to moving up the ranks one step at a time. His dedication to improving, his love for the game, and the mentorship he’s received from his dad and others in the officiating community have set him on a path toward success. Other than being a referee, Patrick is working towards his college degree to work for the National Park Service under the Civil War track, this is why he’s enrolled in Gettysburg College.  "Ref’s Crease has been there for me, and I’m excited to see where the future takes me," he says. As Patrick Schubert’s story shows, the path to becoming a top-tier referee is about more than just knowing the rules. It’s about dedication, leadership, and a love for the game that goes beyond the whistle. If you’re looking to follow in Patrick’s footsteps, remember his advice: take it step by step, stay calm under pressure, and always strive to be better every game. While Patrick isn’t on the ice or studying for his Bachelor’s Degree, you can catch him watching all types of hockey and when asked his favorite team, well being a Philly local, he had to pick the Philly Flyers.   We are excited to launch a brand new column here at Ref's Crease--Standout Stripes! This column is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the officials who are making a lasting impact in the world of hockey—both on and off the ice.
These incredible officials are more than just rule enforcers; they are dedicated individuals whose hard work, passion, and commitment contribute to the integrity and excitement of the game. In the coming weeks, we'll share the stories of these outstanding individuals, celebrating their dedication and unique contributions to the sport. We believe it's time to give these officials the recognition they truly deserve. Do you know a referee who deserves to be highlighted in our Standout Stripes column? We want to hear from you! Nominate a referee who’s going above and beyond, and let’s make sure their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Stay tuned for more, and get ready to cheer on the people who help make the game of hockey that we love even better.  At Ref's Crease, we’re always striving to develop and advance our officials, and this spring we’re offering a special opportunity to help you level up your game with the USPHL NCDC Combine Series.
If you're an official looking to advance to the college level of hockey, this is your chance to advance your skills, gain valuable experience, and put yourself on the radar of top scouts and coaches in the hockey world. This Combine Series kicks off at Wayne, New Jersey’s Ice Vault Arena on March 21-23. What’s included?
USPHL Combines Spring Schedule
If you’re interested in the Wayne, NJ Combine (March 21-23 at Ice Vault Arena), please fill out this form: https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/f3hfM3dQW0De4y6Gf7x73 For more information on the USPHL NCDC Combine Series, please visit: https://www.ncdchockey.com/usphl-ncdc-combines On November 30th, 2024 Ref’s Crease took the ice at Northeastern University’s Matthews Arena to support the Willie O’Ree Pass the Torch Showcase. This showcase featured talented young athletes (ages 10-12) to celebrate 100 years of Boston Bruins hockey and a step forward in promoting inclusivity in the sport and the future of hockey.  "The games went incredibly well, with kids of all ages and skill levels participating. Everyone had fun while learning how to play in small spaces and develop their hockey skills,” said Ian Ganley, Ref’s Crease Official. Here at Ref’s Crease we’re proud to be part of this amazing event that celebrates the future of hockey, the important push for inclusivity in the sport and the hockey community that makes the games so special. "As a hockey official, you work many games throughout the year, so it was refreshing to have a change of pace on the ice and watch the kids have fun and enjoy the event. It was also great to see players from all skill levels come together for their love of hockey,” said Ryan Barry, Ref’s Crease Official. The celebrations continued after the showcase the next day, December 1st, 2024 as the players attended the Boston Bruins Centennial Game against the Montreal Canadiens.  Willie O’Ree on the ice at the Bruins Centennial game celebration. A huge thank you to everyone who made this event possible, especially our three officials Ryan Barry, Ian Ganley and Brendan Doyle for your dedication and hard work. We look forward to supporting more moments like these!  📸: Ryan Barry, Ian Ganley & Brendan Doyle
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