Rene Fasel met with MHL and NMHL referees

Rene Fasel, the honourary president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), held a meeting with referees of the Junior Hockey League (MHL) and the National Junior Hockey League (NMHL).

The referees engaged in a training camp in Moscow Region ahead of the 2023/2024 campaign between the 16th and 19th of July. During the camp, specialists of the MHL and the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) informed the referees of the rule changes for the upcoming season, tested them for their knowledge of the regulations and engaged in on-ice training sessions with them.

Fasel joined the camp on its final day to speak to the referees, answering their questions and giving advice.

Honourary IIHF president Rene Fasel:

- It was great to meet with the referees of the next generation, they are the future of Russian officiating! Hopefully, they will subsequently go on to officiate in the Kontinental Hockey League. However, in order for their dream to become a reality, they all have to work hard. You can never stop developing, you have to continue progressing, maintain an excellent physical condition and learn all of the new rules.

In my opinion, the toughest part of refereeing is taking charge of youth matches. Ice hockey at this level is full of energy, and a lot of the players aren't old enough to be able to control their emotions. Furthermore, a lot of them don't know all of the rules in detail, something which creates additional difficulties for the referees. Nevertheless, this will help the referees to gain vital experience and take the step to the next level.

I enjoyed our meeting today, and I would like to wish all of the referees here success and to achieve their goals. As I have already said, it all depends on their application.