USA Hockey Magazine

PHOTOS BY Northland Films; Getty Images 12 // NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM O F F T HE D R AW OFFICIATING 3 Dan Schachte, the first American-born official to work more than 2,000 NHL games, has died at the age of 64. During his 30-year career, the Madison, Wis., native was selected for five Stanley Cup finals and the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. He was also chosen to work the 1991 Canada Cup and the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. After his final NHL game in 2012 in Chicago, players from the Blackhawks and Washington Capitals lined up to shake his hand. In addition to his own professional success, Schachte was always willing to help the next generation of American officials by volunteering to work USA Hockey officiating camps and seminars and serving as an officiating supervisor for the organization. Schachte began officiating youth games in the Madison area as a middle schooler, but received his big break when University of Wisconsin head coach Bob Johnson helped him officiate his first collegiate game. He returned to his college roots after retiring from the NHL, serving as the coordinator of officials for Hockey East from 2012 to 2020. In honor of his legacy, the family has asked well-wishers to make a donation in Schachte's name to The Jingles O'Brien Scholarship Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids in the greater Madison area gain access to hockey. More information can be found at jinglesobriensf.com. Schachte's Impact On Officiating Ranks Went Beyond His NHL Career 3 Hockey is a way of life on Minnesota's Iron Range. In addition to serving as the home to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, it has also produced some of the biggest names in the sport from Olympic champions to NHL stars. Hockeyland is a new documentary that showcases the rich hockey history and deep civic pride as it follows a pair of high school teams from rival communities — the Eveleth-Gilbert Golden Bears and the Hermantown Hawks — as they battle through a season as they chase a childhood dream of a state title. This is the third film in the hockey trilogy from Northland Films, the producers of Pond Hockey and Forgotten Miracle. Under the specter of a changing cultural landscape, these two proud hockey towns look to live up to their rich traditions and find a way to recapture the successes of days long gone by. Hockeyland is an all-access look inside the hearts and minds of teenage rink rats as they battle through injuries, small-town pressures, adolescent distractions and family health concerns as they pursue their place in the State Of Hockey history. After a successful debut throughout the state, the film is now showing nationally to strong reviews from moviegoers and critics alike. A digital release was slated for October. For more go to hockeylandmovie.com. Hockeyland A Hit At Nationwide Theaters HOCKEY FILMS k Hockeyland captures the spirit and passion of the sport on Minnesota's Iron Range.

• Cover