Thursday, October 28, 2010

Two former officials to work World Junior Championship

Press Release

Former North American Hockey League (NAHL) officials Johnathan Morrison and Keith Kaval have been selected by USA Hockey and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to work the upcoming World Junior Championships, which will be held from Dec. 26-Jan. 5, 2011 in Buffalo, N.Y.

Both Morrison, who resides in St. Paul, and Kaval, of Erie, Pa., worked several seasons in the NAHL as part of their participation in the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program (ODP).

The 20U World Junior Championships is the top-level junior tournament sponsored by the IIHF. Morrison and Kaval are two of three American officials selected to work the prestigious event.

“I congratulate Johnathan and Keith on this recognition,” said Scott Brand, who coordinates the ODP for USA Hockey. “The competitive nature of junior hockey in the USA and the opportunities provided by the league’s partnership with USA Hockey’s ODP are a big part of the success of these two officials.”

Morrison, a former NAHL linesman and referee, has an extensive officiating background in junior, collegiate and pro hockey, including officiating in the American Hockey League (AHL). He’s also no stranger to international competition having worked the last two Paralympics sledge hockey tournaments in Torino, Italy, and Vancouver. Morrison is also one of the current members of the ODP supervisory staff.

Kaval went from a full-time position in the ODP to working in the ECHL, AHL and at several international tournaments. Most recently, he worked the last year's 18U World Championships.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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