RED DEER, Alta. — Hockey P.E.I. officials Ellen Dixon and Alex Dillon have been tagged by Hockey Canada for assignments at the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alta.
Dillon is working the boys’ competition while Dixon heads leaves Saturday to officiate the girls’ competition that starts Sunday.
“It is an honour to have been selected to work at such an elite tournament,” Dixon said. “I am very much looking forward to having the opportunity to skate (at) this tournament, meet fellow officials, and continue to develop with the supervisions that will be provided. I can't encourage other female officials enough to continue with the game and always strive to improve. The opportunities are broad and endless for female officials.”
While in bantam, Dixon began refereeing with the North River Minor Hockey Association and continued to do so while studying at Dalhousie University. She’s worked Atlantic university, midget and bantam AAA female games as a linesman and a referee, and refereed at the 2017 under-18 women's national championship in Quebec City, Que.
Dillon, who started in the stripes in his second year of peewee AAA, said he’s honoured by the tap on the shoulder.
“Officiating is a passion and I am grateful for the opportunity to perform at this level, learn from those around me, and take part in the excitement of the Games,” Dillon said. “I’m extremely thankful to Hockey Canada for this opportunity and am beyond excited for the event.”
Alex has officiated in the major midget, junior A and men’s university leagues. He’s also worked the Atlantic Challenge Cup in Moncton, a national event in Calgary and the World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Charlottetown.
“It’s incredible to have Island talent selected amongst the country’s best officials and this is certainly an impressive step for both Ellen and Alex in their officiating careers,” said Geoff Kowalski, Hockey P.E.I. executive director.
