ST. PAUL – As hockey players battle it out on the ice, the referees watch with sharp eyes, tasked with keeping games fair and under control.
Armand Boucher is a deeply rooted member of St. Paul Minor Hockey in St. Paul, a senior referee with around 20 years of experience.
While he mainly officiates minor hockey, Boucher’s experience officiating at the sport’s higher levels has helped him understand and apply the rules more effectively.
In addition, he also coached and played competitive hockey at the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference, allowing him an edge on the ice. “So, between coaching, refereeing and playing - I have a different perspective of the game.”
Boucher said he referees because he wants to see youth play the sport they love, while keeping the game fun and safe. "I'm not out there to be the bad guy. I want everybody to have fun with what they're doing," he told Lakeland This Week.
“It's so the kids can play the games,” said Boucher. “It's more of doing it with the intent of having the kids enjoy being out there and not being scared to play.”
For him, “it’s a passion to be on the ice, to watch the game, and be involved in the game.”
One of the most significant parts of being a referee, according to Armand, is helping to develop newer, young officials. While Hockey Alberta has a supervision program for senior and younger officials, he also makes an effort to help out during his free time.
"We want them to succeed, so we're always there helping and coaching them,” he said.
“No human is perfect,” which includes players, parents, and officials. “Mistakes will happen, and everybody has to learn from their mistakes,” he says, explaining how being respectful to everyone is important.
As for officials, he reminds people that they are “somebody else’s child” and spectators should “treat them as if they were your own child.”
Boucher's family is well involved with hockey. His son, Owen, previously played with St. Paul Minor Hockey and is now playing in the Western Hockey League with the Prince Albert Raiders. His daughter, Ella, is a first year U18 female hockey player who he helps coach.
As a parent, a coach and a referee, Boucher believes in the importance of keeping the game safe and enjoyable for everyone is crucial.
