Woodstock native named Referee-In-Chief of junior hockey league

Woodstock native Brad Kovachik has been named the GOHL’s (former GOJHL) first-ever Referee-In-Chief. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Former Friendly City resident and National Hockey League official Brad Kovachik has been named the first-ever referee-in-chief for the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL).

GOHL Commissioner Craig Spada made the announcement last week. Kovachik officiated over 1900 regular season games and 200 playoff games after beginning his career as a linesman in 1996, after three seasons as a linesman in the Ontario Hockey League. He officiated in five Stanley Cup Finals and also worked at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

“I’m very excited to join the GOHL,” explained Kovachik. “I think they’ve really committed themselves to becoming the elite junior league. I’m looking forward to joining them and helping the officials any way I can. The last few years, I’ve seen the commitment Greg has had with this league. He’s grown it and has great ideas.”

Kovachik now resides in Fort Erie, home to one of the GOHL teams. His goal is to help the league’s young officials become the best they can be.

“I’ve been officiating my whole life, since I was 12 years old. I’ve been lucky enough to be around the best officials in the world and the best teachers in the world. If I can give my knowledge back to the up-and-coming officials, I’m looking forward to doing that.”

“The GOHL is growing in many ways and we welcome Brad. His wealth of knowledge and experience from a decorated NHL career brings a lot of credibility. The GOHL continues work to enhance our on-ice product for the players and fans alike,” said Spada.

Typically, junior hockey leagues across Ontario are not involved in the officiating program run by the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). However, Spada said the decision aims to ensure games are officiated at the highest possible level.

“The league and the OHA have collaborated to create this as a positive change. Brad will correspond with the OHA Director of Officiating, Kevin Pollock, on both positives and/or concerns to create the best on-ice product possible.”

In fulfilling his key responsibilities overseeing the league’s officiating department, Kovachik will serve as the primary point of contact for all teams on matters related to officiating inquiries, rule updates, and disciplinary issues.

Among his duties are to oversee the direction of the GOHL officiating department in accordance with league directives, represent the GOHL at the OHA on all officiating matters and serve on the OHA Officiating Committee, act as the first point of contact for all teams regarding officiating inquiries and maintain communication with coaches and general managers regarding officiating updates, rules, and issues.

“He will also collaborate with the OHA to develop a yearly GOHL rules emphasis outline, file monthly reports to the commissioner detailing department progress and initiatives, work with the OHA to ensure fair mileage assignments and balanced exposure of officials to teams, and provide support and advice to the Commissioner on player safety and officiating-related matters.

The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, or GOJHL, rebranded itself as the GOHL this season after striking a deal with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The agreement means the GOHL is now an official development league for the OHL and a formal part of the player development pipeline.

“This is new to the GOHL, but much change has happened with the agreement with the OHL. We continue to move professionally to improve in all aspects for our players. Brad will create good relationships with our general managers and coaches, something that shows we are committed to the best on-ice product for our players,” added Spada.

Kovachik said officiating is all about being professional, working hard, but also having fun.

“A lot of my good friends to this day are people I met doing junior hockey during my days in Woodstock. It goes by quickly, so every time they lace up their skates, I want them to enjoy the job they are doing. The best officials in the world at every level, whether it's minor hockey or the NHL, have a great presence, great communication, and they can be great when the game calls for it.”