Standout Stripes featuring: russ rubinson

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."
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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!