Press Release
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors at its
recent Annual Meeting established a new award for league on-ice
officials and in so doing chose to recognize OHL Senior Officiating
Manager, Ken Bodendistel.
“The Bodie” is presented annually to the OHL official who
demonstrates a passion and dedication to officiating and the game of
hockey, who best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice,
professionalism, and is respected by OHL member teams, players, and
fellow officials alike.
The new award was introduced at the annual pre-season OHL Officiating
Camp held this past weekend, August 23-24, 2013, at the University of
Guelph.
In making the announcement, OHL Commissioner David Branch stated,
“Ken Bodendistel has been a builder of the Ontario Hockey League and his
contributions in the area of the development of our league,
particularly in the area of his leadership, management and growth of our
on-ice officials cannot be overstated and is unmatched. It is fitting
that such an award be named in Ken’s honour.”
The 2012-13 season marked Bodendistel’s 39th straight year
of OHL service off the ice in an administrative role. Beginning as a
Supervisor in 1974-75, Bodendistel’s career also included a 12-year term
as the league’s Director of Officiating from 1982-94 and most recently
serving as Senior Officiating Manager for the past five seasons. He
began his officiating career in the 1960’s skating in the OHA and OHA
Jr. A through 1968-69 before he was signed by the NHL. Bodendistel
worked professionally for two seasons in the NHL, WHL, and CHL before
returning to referee OHA Jr. A for his final three seasons from 1971-72
to 1973-74.
Also announced at the OHL Officiating Camp was the inaugural
recipient of “The Bodie”, presented to referee Scott Oakman. Oakman,
from Mount Albert, ON, is entering his 15th season as a
member of the OHL’s Officiating Staff. Last season he was assigned to
the Rogers OHL Championship Series for the first time in his career.
Nominations for “The Bodie” will be made by OHL officials and
reviewed by a Selection Committee comprised of the league’s Supervisory
staff and Director of Officiating. The award will be presented annually
in August at the Officiating Camp.
A total of 90 officials attended the OHL’s pre-season Officiating
Camp at the University of Guelph including 18 prospective OHL officials
with a total of 37 referees and 53 linesmen. The camp included fitness
evaluations, skating sessions, rule and video seminars, and team
building activities.
(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
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