L to R: Colleen Geddes, Megan Howes, Grace Barlow, Melissa Brunn became the first all-female officiating crew in Junior A hockey history on Oct. 17, working the Langley Rivermen vs. Surrey Eagles game in the BCHL. (Photo credit: Hockey Canada)

By Pete McIntyre

Junior hockey

History made at BCHL game with first-all female officiating crew

Oct 18, 2021 | 11:45 AM

Four BC Hockey League (BCHL) officials became the first all-female officiating crew to work a game at the Canadian Junior A level when they officiated a game between the Langley Rivermen and the Surrey Eagles Sunday at the South Surrey Arena.

Grace Barlow and Megan Howes refereed the Oct. 17 contest, while Melissa Brunn and Colleen Geddes worked the lines.

The BCHL has had female officials in the past, but this is the first time that an entire crew was made up women.

“Being on an all-female crew is both exciting and comfortable,” said Barlow. “These women beside me have been my friends, as well as my colleagues, for years. Getting the opportunity to make history with them is an honour. I hope other young women can watch this game and know that all aspects of hockey are for everyone.”

“To share the ice with strong athletes is one thing, but to skate alongside strong female athletes at this level is another,” said Howes. “I am tremendously proud of our journey thus far.”

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Congratulations to these four women on becoming the first all-female officiating crew in a Canadian Junior A game.

L to R: Colleen Geddes, Megan Howes, Grace Barlow, Melissa Brunn#HockeyIsForEveryone pic.twitter.com/o3IkoRnPNh

— BCHL (@BCHockeyLeague) October 17, 2021

“As much as we want to address this as ‘just another game on a Sunday’, I hope this shows that hard work and dedication pay off,” said Brunn. “This game is monumental for the game of hockey as four females take the ice. However, it is also about recognizing that drive and determination are not marked by gender. I hope we are able to make the BCHL, our peers and young female athletes proud.”

“Being on this first all-female crew is very exciting,” said Geddes. “Having worked beside these ladies for years, it is an amazing opportunity to work this game and show the next generation that anything is possible.”

All four women have officiated games at various levels over the years, working their way up through the BC Hockey officiating system. Howes and Brunn have worked in the BCHL prior to this year, while Barlow and Geddes are in their first season in the league.

“This is another step towards a more inclusive approach to hockey,” said Vanessa Stratton, Female Officiating Lead for BC Hockey. “We commend the BCHL’s openness to providing equitable opportunities for females. This game will showcase the abilities of our female officials to perform at this level and, in the future, hopefully becomes commonplace, rather than celebrated.”

“They are leaders for the next generation of young female officials and that is something to be so proud of.”

“I am proud of the hard work and dedication these four women have put into their specific officiating disciplines,” said Brad Lazarowich, Director of Officiating and Player Safety for the BCHL. “They have earned this opportunity to be the first all-female crew to work a Jr. A game in Canada.”

by Pete McIntyre

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