We at Sportswave covered the recent media event held at the Pacific Coliseum continuing to promote the PWHL, the newest Pro Franchise sports event in Vancouver.
The growth of Women’s sports continues to excel and take the world by story deposit the naysayers.
I for one am thrilled that Vancouver finally got a franchise which only helps grow the minor girls program in the area many of whom will one day play in the league.
The following is the recent press release from the PWHL!!!
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has established a leadership team responsible for the PWHL’s Officiating Department, representing a significant commitment by the League to its Officials and to the continued growth of the game.
The new structure will strengthen pathways for training, communication, logistics and performance development, and it will help ensure a consistent, world-class standard of officiating across all PWHL markets.
For the 2025-26 season, Bill McCreary (Director of Officiating, Strategy & Performance), David Taveroff (Director of Officiating, Operations), and Katie Guay (Director of Officiating, Training, Development & Recruitment) will form the leadership team and work collaboratively to ensure consistency, professionalism, and excellence across every PWHL game.
Each of these accomplished individuals brings extensive experience, deep knowledge of the game, and a commitment to integrity, fairness, and growth.
“As the PWHL continues to grow and strengthen its foundation, it’s critical that we continue to elevate the standard of our officiating,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. “Officiating is central to the success of our on-ice product.”
She continues “It defines the standard of play, safeguards the integrity of competition, and contributes directly to the trust and confidence of our fans, players, and partners. The professionalism, preparation, and decision-making of our PWHL Officials reflect the League’s values and the competitive excellence we strive to deliver each night for our fans.”
The PWHL Officiating Team for the 2025-26 season will consist of 30 referees and 29 linespersons from across North America. The roster of 59 officials, which includes 37 women and 22 men, features a total of 52 returnees and seven new linespersons.
A highlight for the PWHL Officiating Team is the nomination of 15 members by the IIHF for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina.
The group includes: referees Kelly Cooke, Melissa Doyle, Samantha Hiller, Elizabeth Mantha, Michelle McKenna, Cianna Murray, Shauna Neary and Amanda Tassoni, and linespersons Sarah Buckner, Jennifer Cameron, Alexandra Clarke, Laura Gutauskas, Justine Todd, Kirsten Welsh and Erin Zach.
