the ee and bruins game had a great ref he kept his whistle in his pocket but called the right calls anyothers in the league. I know it is hard to admit but there must be some good ones out there

Jones

Totally agree. Jones is number one - great ref, great guy; He'll chat with the kids before, during and after; does not treat coaches and parents like the enemy, explains his calls. I had a beer with him a few weeks ago after a game and he said that a number of the guys really shouldn't be reffing; that they take it way too seriously and let people get under their skin. I mentioned Ratcliffe and he just smiled and said nothing. I asked why some guys don't just work as linesman if they can't handle the ref job and he said it really is something they should look at.

the younger refs tend to be better

I would tend to agree with post above, however, in the case of last night's EE vs AREOS game ref stood back and watched and waited.

Isn't that good?

It is good when the ref allows the players to play and the game to flow. It's not good when the ref stands back and watches fights break out and just lets them go at it. Play hockey EE!!!!

The worst thing they ever did was to bring in those massive suspensions for fighting. The boys now use their stick instead of their hands. Go back to a 5 min major and maybe throw in a game if its needed. Their are a few little weasels out there who love to go into the corners with their sticks up high and in your face. They constantly give the better players the hooks and half slashes. That stick play would all disapear if those players knew that they might get a fist full if they keep up the stick work. The multiple game suspensions for fighting has made our game at this level cater more to the gimps and pussies who cant play the game so they use their stick.

That is the most moronic comment I have ever heard. I sure hope you are not a parent. This is AA minor hockey, did you notice last game that all the KIDS were wearing face masks. Fighting at thisl level is an absolute waste of time. Who wants to punch a face mask. Even if it does come off there is a big suspension for it coming off and the refs usually get in there before any damaging punches can be thrown. That s the problem with minor hockey to many parents are clueless, yet they think they know everything. What a Dumby, you think the sticks will stay down in AA minor midget hockey if they allow fights, what you hear on HNIC is not always meant for minor hockey. Wake up, JACK ASS.

agree - there is no place for fighting anywhere in minor hockey

also agree - jones is far and away best ref in gthl -

If you talk to coaches who have been around awhile, they will tell you that sometimes a good fight is what teams nead to get the crap out of there system. If you think fighting at this age is stupid then YOU are the ones who know very little. If my son gets hit from behind from your gimpy son because your sons skill are very limited. Why shouldnt my son be able to challenge him to a fair fight? Oh I see..Your son cant fight. This is a younge mans game at this age not girls hockey.

Have another beer redneck, why don't you punch the guy who buds in front of you the next time you're waiting for an ATM.

You guys should put your daughters in the right league.

The guys looking to fight are usualy the guys with no skill.

Never seen this guy before, Villenauva. Great game buddy. He reffed the EE, NT game.

I guess after the winter olympics, girls hockey doesn't look too bad after all eh. At least the ladies upheld the Canadian badge.

I heard somewhere that the canadian womens team went 10-10-2 against migdet AAA teams playing in no contact games. Thats just a comparison of the talent in the womens game. But it is very impressive how they dominate other countries.

No doubt about it, Jones is the best ref in the league. There is an OHL ref that has ref'd a couple of games who is excellent; cant remember his name.

Brett Punchard ref's the occasional GTHL game, is currently breaking into the OHL as a linesman and is doing a superb job. There are some good guys out there who could be good role models if someone were open minded and willing to take note.