The CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects game is set for September 25th at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York. The coaches, Mike Grier and Ed Olczyk, are ready to go. The players, 42 of the top American hockey players eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, have been named. Now, it’s the officials’ turn.
Referees Stephen Thomson (L) and Stephen Reneau (R), at the first USHL outdoor game on Feb. 9, 2013
The referees for the third annual CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game are Stephen Reneau of Sugar Creek, Missouri, and Stephen Thomson of nearby Canandaigua, New York. Joining Reneau and Thomson in stripes will be linesmen Ryan Madsen of Loveland, Ohio, and Charlie O’Connor of Riverview, Florida. All four officials came out of the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program.
Reneau, Madsen, and O’Connor are off to early starts in their officiating seasons. All three also worked the Traverse City NHL Prospects Tournament in early September.
The game will be broadcast on NHL Network beginning at 7pm on September 25. NHL Live host Steve Mears will provide play-by-play, alongside his NHL Live co-host EJ Hradek and former Penguins and US Olympic coach Dan Bylsma.
From USA Hockey:
“The officials chosen to work this event are among the most talented in our officiating development program,” said Matt Leaf, USA Hockey’s director of officiating education program. “This assignment was earned by each of them through commitment to the profession and diligence to continuous improvement.”
Reneau has worked his way up through the USA Hockey officiating program over the past three seasons. He refereed games in the North American Hockey League in 2011-12, the United States Hockey League in 2012-13, and the ECHL in 2013-14.
Thomson’s primary responsibility over the last three seasons has been officiating USHL games. He also has experience in the Central Hockey League and Southern Professional Hockey League.
Madsen has spent the last five seasons officiating games in the USHL and NAHL. He has also called games in the SPHL and ECHL.
O’Connor has served as an official in the USHL and SPHL in the last two seasons. Additionally, he has worked in the American Hockey League.
“This game has developed into an exciting opportunity for the best players in the United States to showcase their skills on a national stage,” said Jim Johannson, USA Hockey’s assistant executive director of hockey operations. It’s also a terrific opportunity for young, high-potential officials to get some exposure and show off their officiating talents. Good luck, boys!
For more information on the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, or to purchase tickets, visit AllAmericanProspectsGame.com.
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