 Looking to level up your officiating game? The Massachusetts Officials Development Program is now accepting applications for its 2025 camp, held alongside the CCM Player Development Festival—a showcase for the top young hockey talent in the state.
🏒 Camp Details:
Why Attend? This two-weekend camp offers officials a unique opportunity to grow through:
What You’ll Gain As part of USA Hockey’s High Performance Camp system you'll gain:
Whether you're aiming for junior, college, or pro hockey, this camp is a proven stepping stone. Ready to Take the Next Step? Submit your application by May 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET. Space is limited—don’t miss this opportunity to advance your officiating career. 📩 Apply today: [email protected] | [email protected]
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 In this edition of Standout Stripes, we shine the spotlight on Chris Henry, a dedicated and passionate official whose journey from college club hockey player to Frozen Four referee is as inspiring as it is impressive. From Club Hockey to the Crease Chris’s officiating story began just over a decade ago while he was attending the University of Central Florida. What started as a side hustle—something to earn extra cash while playing for the UCF Club Hockey Team—turned into a true calling. “I had the hands of a baby seal and the playmaking ability of a walnut,” Chris jokes. “Once I realized my playing career probably had its limits, officiating gave me a way to stay involved in the game.” After stepping away from the bench, Chris began reffing junior and club hockey in Florida, where his passion for the craft quickly grew. A move to Boston opened new doors, including a chance encounter with Gene Binda—one of the most respected figures in the world of officiating. With Gene's mentorship and support, Chris found himself moving up the ranks to work Division I and III games, eventually earning spots in the Southern Pro League and, most recently, officiating at the NCAA Frozen Four.  Growth Through Ref’s Crease Chris credits much of his development to Ref’s Crease, a community and training resource that’s played a huge role in shaping his approach and mindset as an official. “Ref’s Crease has helped me grow in too many ways to count,” he says. “The people—especially the veteran officials—took me under their wing and helped me sharpen my craft. I’ve got to give a special shoutout to Mark Riley, who’s been instrumental in my growth with his honest feedback and constant support.” Chris also points to video breakdown sessions with Geno as a game-changer. “Seeing the game through his eyes completely shifted how I thought about positioning, judgment, and game management. It really helped me move from just ‘working games’ to understanding how to manage them.” Stories from the Road Ask any official and they'll tell you - the real memories aren’t always made on the ice. For Chris, the moments between games often stand out the most. “There are so many stories—though not all of them are PG,” he laughs. “But the best ones are the road trips. The music, the debates, the late-night food runs. That’s the stuff that sticks with you. It’s about the brotherhood and the relationships you build along the way.” Advice to the Next Generation When it comes to advice for new officials, Chris keeps it real: “Enjoy the ride. Don’t rush the process. The lower levels are where you learn the most—how to read a game, manage chaos, and develop confidence. Mistakes at 9 a.m. in front of a few parents are a lot better than mistakes in front of thousands during a primetime game. Build the right habits early, and those big opportunities will come.”  The Joy of the Job For Chris, being a ref is about more than just enforcing rules—it's a chance to stay connected to a game he loves. “My favorite part is the relationships—seeing familiar faces, traveling to new cities, and being part of something bigger. Honestly, it’s the best side job anyone could ask for. Not everyone gets to work a 9-to-5 during the week and then throw on the stripes to ref a college hockey game at night. We’re lucky to be part of this world.” Frozen Four: A Dream Realized Chris’s recent experience reffing at the Frozen Four marked a major milestone in his career. “Unreal,” he says. “It’s the kind of opportunity you dream about when you’re just starting out. The energy, the pressure, the pride—it’s all there. I prepared by diving into film, visualizing scenarios, and making sure I was mentally and physically locked in. It’s a huge responsibility, but moments like that make it all worth it.” A Capitals Fan for Life Outside of officiating, Chris is a die-hard Washington Capitals fan—long before the Ovechkin era began. “I’ve followed them through the highs and (many) lows. The 2018 Stanley Cup run was unbelievable. Seeing them finally lift the Cup after years of heartbreak? I’ll never forget it.”  Grateful for the Journey
As Chris reflects on how far he’s come, one word keeps coming up: grateful. “Hockey has given me so much—friendships, life lessons, unforgettable experiences. Officiating was supposed to be a side gig, and now it’s given me opportunities I never imagined. If you put in the work, stay passionate, and surround yourself with the right people, amazing things can happen. I’m proud of the journey so far, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”  For Seamus Ross, the path to becoming a top-notch referee started long before his first official game. Growing up in a hockey family, Seamus was always surrounded by the world of officiating, thanks to his father’s long career as a Linesman in the AHL and Hockey East. From an early age, Seamus was fascinated by the referee role, often accompanying his dad to games and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an official. In 2019, at just 14 years old, Seamus decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and take up officiating himself. He started with cross-ice and peewee games, steadily moving up through the ranks. In his second year, he took on midget-level games, and by the time he was a freshman in high school, Seamus officiated his first junior game alongside Casey Terrari for the Avalanche in Hooksett. It didn’t take long for Seamus to develop into one of the most promising young officials. During his sophomore year, he was officiating junior games while also balancing his own high school hockey career. That same season, he had the honor of officiating his first college game for the NEWHA and working the USPHL playoffs at Cyclones, where he was selected to be a Linesman for both the Elite and EHLP championship games that year. As Seamus continued to grow in his officiating career, so did the level of competition he worked with. By his junior year, Seamus was officiating the USPHL Premier Finals and the Dineen Cup Finals in Long Island. Even as he focused on his final high school hockey season, Seamus remained dedicated to his refereeing career, officiating both the third-place game and the championship for the EHLP playoffs during his senior year. The Impact of Ref's Crease A big part of Seamus’s development as an official has been the guidance he’s received from Ref's Crease, a community dedicated to shaping the future of hockey officials. Seamus credits the supervision staff at Ref's Crease for offering invaluable feedback and helping him grow into the skilled official he is today. The Monday Night Quarterback (MNQB) Zoom sessions have been particularly helpful for Seamus, allowing him to understand how supervisors expect games to be called and providing him with the tools to navigate the unpredictable situations that are inevitable in the fast-paced world of officiating.  Noteworthy Stories from the Ice As with any career, being a referee comes with its fair share of memorable moments. For Seamus, one of the most unforgettable stories took place during the EHLP championship in Providence. While there, he and fellow referee Ben Leaton found themselves sneaking into the NCAA regionals at the Amica Mutual Pavilion—twice—as the “back-up to the back-up officials.” While the experience was fun and lighthearted, it’s just one of the many unexpected adventures Seamus has had in his journey. Another story that stands out for Seamus occurred during an ACHA game, where a fan threw a baseball-sized puck at a player’s head after it had been deflected out of play. Situations like these are part of what makes being a referee so challenging, but Seamus has learned how to handle difficult situations with professionalism and composure. Advice for Aspiring Refs For those just starting out in officiating, Seamus offers some invaluable advice: "Find a mentor and be open to learning from their experience. Accept every assignment, no matter the distance or level—never think you’re 'too good' for any game. Ask questions and do your homework before stepping on the ice; know the coaches, key players, enforcers, divers, and any history between the teams. Work as a team with your fellow officials and always have their backs. Own up to mistakes, address unprofessional behavior from coaches early, and rely on the rulebook—it’s your greatest asset." This advice reflects Seamus’s humble and dedicated approach to officiating. He believes that learning is a lifelong process, and every game—whether big or small—offers an opportunity to grow as an official.  What Seamus Loves Most About Being a Ref For Seamus, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a referee is the relationships he’s built along the way. From fellow officials to coaches, players, and arena staff, the people he meets through officiating have made the experience all the more special. Seamus enjoys the camaraderie and mutual respect that comes from working as part of a team with fellow officials, especially when everyone works together to ensure the game is called fairly and consistently. Seamus is a firm believer in the importance of fitness, and officiating is a job that demands peak performance on the ice. A Standout Weekend at the USPHL Championships Recently, Seamus had the honor of officiating the USPHL Premier National Championship series, which provided him with another unforgettable experience. Reflecting on the weekend, he says, “It was an honor to officiate another USPHL championship in such an exciting and competitive atmosphere. The opportunity to work with new teams and officials made for a memorable weekend filled with high-level hockey and valuable experiences. The intense competition and big-game environment provided me with invaluable experience that will help me as I continue advancing in higher-stakes hockey.” Looking Ahead As Seamus continues to rise through the ranks of officiating, it’s clear that his commitment and dedication to his craft are key ingredients in his success. Whether he’s officiating junior games, college games, or USPHL championships, Seamus is one of the top names to watch in the world of hockey officiating. And when he’s not on the ice he’s watching his favorite NHL team, the Bruins being a true New England native.  |
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