The NOHA and Zebrasclub.com are excited to announce the October Official of the Month - Alex Bourcier of Espanola, Ontario.
Alex is always available when required to officiate and consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic. He approaches every game with professionalism and a positive attitude, showing great enthusiasm for learning and improving.
As a young Official, Alex has shown impressive development and maturity in managing games fairly and confidently. He communicates well with players and coaches, maintains composure under pressure, and applies the rules with consistency and respect.
Alex’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to take feedback make him an excellent role model for other young Officials. His dedication to the role and eagerness to grow are exactly what we hope to see in the Officiating Program.
Congratulations, Alex! All Officials of the Month receive a generous prize pack sponsored by our official partner Zebrasclub.com
We had the chance to ask Alex some questions about what officiating means to him.
How did you get started in officiating?
I got started officiating because I wanted to find a job that I could do around my school and sports schedule. I’ve played hockey since U9, so finding a part-time job that involved a sport I love seemed like a great fit.
What is the greatest lesson you've learned?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is probably to stay calm and confident under pressure. Not every call will make everyone happy, but I’m learning to trust my judgment and communicate respectfully, then move on and stay focused on the game.
What do you love most about officiating?
The part I love about officiating is being part of the game in a different way. I like the responsibility and the challenge. The flexibility to work around my schedule is also a bonus.
What would you tell aspiring or young Officials to help them get started?
I would probably tell someone who is just getting started not to be nervous, but to ask questions and learn from other Officials. Watching how more experienced Referees handle situations really helps when you’re starting out.
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Would you like to nominate a young Official for Official of the Month? Learn more about the program here!
The Ontario Hockey Federation is proud to introduce the Officiating Development Series, a new education initiative running from January - March 2026. Designed to support officials at every stage of their journey, this free virtual series delivers fresh thinking, practical learning, and collaborative discussion focused on the evolving demands of officiating the game.
This new series brings together voices from across the OHF’s four Minor Member Partners — GTHL, OMHA, NOHA, and ALLIANCE Hockey — each sharing real experiences, practical insights, and perspectives from the ice. The focus is simple: help officials feel more confident, more prepared, and more supported at every stage of their officiating journey.
Whether you’re officiating your first game or have years of experience behind you, these sessions are designed to be relatable, engaging, and immediately useful. Topics range from managing high-pressure situations and interpreting complex calls, to strengthening communication skills and building mental resilience both on and off the ice.
From all of us at the NOHA, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!. It's a time to rest, reflect, and cherish the family and friends around you.
We're truly grateful for all the joy that hockey brings into our lives, and wish you a safe and warm holiday break.
Please note: the NOHA Office will be closed from December 19th to January 4th, re-opening January 5th. If you have an urgent situation, please send an email to noha@noha-hockey.ca as we will be monitoring this email over the break.
