The Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League are going all-in for ref appreciation night with special striped jerseys!
The Giants will be donning the stripes for Referee Appreciation Night on Sunday, October 22, when they host the Spokane Chiefs.
“Our goal with this game is twofold: first, to acknowledge the hard work that on-ice officials do to ensure the game is safe and fair, and second, to shine a spotlight on officiating at the grassroots level here in B.C.,” said Pete Toigo, Giants VP, Operations.
“Hockey can’t be played without officials. By hosting this game, we want to encourage youth to get involved in officiating and also show support for officials at all levels, who deserve more respect.”
The Giants’ jerseys will be auctioned off, with bids open from October 8 through noon on October 24.
With Vancouver wearing the officials’ stripes, what will the referees and linesmen wear?
Apparently they’ll be sporting special jerseys as well. More to come on that.
In addition to the on-ice action, the Giants will also be hosting an officials’ hotstove prior to the game. No word yet on which officials will be taking part, or which referees and linesen will be tapped to work the game.
In the meantime, grab your stripes and get your tickets. We’re hoping to see a packed house of zebras!
(Images via Vancouver Giants/Diane Hong)
