Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, December 5, 2007

BAKER LAKE - It took awhile to get there, but Baker Lake finally had its chance to host a Level 1 officiating clinic earlier this month.

The clinic was facilitated by Hockey North referee-in-chief Darrell Greer, with the assistance of Hockey Nunavut president and Level 3 official Donald Clark.

A total of 10 new Level 1 officials were certified at the Baker clinic.

Level 1 official Kent DePeuter, 15, said he was told about the clinic by Baker Lake Minor Hockey Association president Jim Kreuger.

DePeuter said he's always been interested in sports officiating, so he decided to sign up for the course.

"Baker minor hockey was also really in need of officials, so I thought it would be a good idea to get involved," said DePeuter.

"The course was very thorough and I learned a lot.

"I thought I had a pretty good grasp of the rules because I played up to bantam, but I was surprised by how much I didn't know.

"I didn't realize there were so many variations to each penalty, that's for sure."

DePeuter plans to give officiating a serious try this year and is looking forward to officiating minor hockey in his community.

He said he was ready to start his officiating career with an atom game and hopes to find the experience an enjoyable one.

"Hockey suffers in communities that don't have certified officials, especially minor hockey.

"When you get to a tournament and the ref is yelling at you, but you don't know what for, it can be pretty confusing."

DePeuter said while he thought more people would show up for the clinic, 10 is still a good start for Baker minor hockey.

"I expected more midget players at the clinic, but a number of them went to the Mike Thomas Hockey School in Rankin Inlet on the same weekend.

"Hockey officiating is not for everyone, so this is a good start if everyone who took the course gets involved."

DePeuter said the people who organize minor hockey in Baker weren't the only ones happy about a clinic being held in their community.

He said a number of younger players are excited over the prospect of having real refs on the ice for their games.

"So far, a lot of the kids have been coming up to us and asking if we're going to be officiating their games from now on and stuff like that.

"Most of the kids, especially the ones who know us from playing hockey, are really excited that we're going to be reffing their games."