11 BCHL Officials Invited To 2026 NHL Officiating Combine

Officiating in any sport that parents seldom understand as to not just what their role is but why they call specific rules that can have an outcome on any game but play an integral part to any game.

Development for today’s young officials to help and assist them to reach the next level of their game helping with both on-ice and off-ice training is essential which includes the addition of training with video.

We are pleased to mention that we received the following from the BCHL regarding the upcoming NHL combine which mentions that 11 of its officials have been invited to attend the 2026 National Hockey League Officiating Combine Aug. 20 to 23 in Buffalo, N.Y.

The annual event is designed to give up-and-coming officials exposure to the NHL through physical on-ice and off-ice testing, along with game action.

The officials selected for this year’s combine are:

Scott Allan – Edmonton, Alta. (3rd NHL Combine)
Brad Ewing – Langley, B.C. (2nd NHL Combine)
Sydney Harris – Denver, Colo. (3rd NHL Combine)
Harrison Heyer -San Diego, Calif. (3rd NHL Combine)
Ashley Johnston – Baltimore, Md. (2nd NHL Combine)
Owen Lohmeier – Kelowna, B.C. (1st NHL Combine)
Tyson Phillips – Calgary, Alta. (2nd NHL Combine)
Eric Scherger – Edmonton, Alta. (1st NHL Combine)
Trevor Thurston – Delta, B.C. (2nd NHL Combine)
Koletrane Wilson – Edmonton, Alta. (4th NHL Combine)
Christian Yip – Richmond, B.C. (1st NHL Combine)

“The BCHL is pleased to once again have such a high representation of officials at the 2026 NHL Officiating Combine,” said Brad Lazarowich, Vice President of Hockey Operations and head of the BCHL’s officiating department. “Our program has come a long way in recent years and having 11 members of our staff participate in this camp is a clear indicator that the BCHL has become a proven path for high-level officials looking to reach the professional ranks.”

“We appreciate the NHL recognizing the level of officiating talent in our league and look forward to attending camp this summer, as well as the years to come.”

The BCHL would also like to congratulate current officials Koletrane Wilson and Scott Allan, as well as alumnus Ben Betker, on being selected to work the third round of the American Hockey League (AHL) playoffs and BCHL official Jamie Pavia for being selected to work the second round of the ECHL postseason.

We congratulate the officials selected and wish them all the best in the next step in their career.