Officials recognized by USA Hockey, NHL

USA Hockey and the National Hockey League has announced the officials selected to attend the 2009 North American Officiating Program of Merit, which will be held in Rochester, N.Y., from July 7-14.

The camp is used to evaluate officiating talent from North America and gives the NHL a chance to look at possible officials to join the highest ranks.

The NAHL and USA Hockey will again have the most representation at the camp, with six of the 12 officials coming from the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program.

Referees Justin Brown (Roseville, Minn.), Boone Bruggman (Wenatchee, Wash.) and Nick Krebsbach (Minot, N.D.) will join linesmen Dana Penkivech (Apple Valley, Minn.), Justin Prusak (Buffalo, N.Y.) and Judson Ritter (Des Moines, Iowa) at the event.

“Obviously, it's a great honor for our officials to be recognized by USA Hockey and the NHL,” said USA Hockey Officiating Development Program coordinator Scott Brand.  “We wish them the best of luck at camp.”

Officials from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the Western Hockey League will also be in attendance.

A number of officials from USA Hockey who worked in the NAHL this past year will advance to professional hockey this coming season.