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14 // JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM O F F T HE D R AW Officiating Initiative Helps Former Players Prepare For Next Shift Officials are often referred to as the third team on the ice. That spirit of teamwork and camaraderie can also be found off the ice as the North American Hockey League and USA Hockey are joining forces to recruit and develop new officials through a new program. The Next Shift initiative is designed to target former players who have a passion for the game and incentivize them to take their next shift as an on-ice official by providing them with education, exposure and experience to succeed. The program is designed to fill the void of officials who leave the game before their careers can reach their full potential. "We incentivize them by covering the start-up costs to get into officiating, we guide them through every step of the process to get started, and we provide continuing education and support through our team of experienced mentors," said Kendall Hanley, the NAHL's manager of officiating. Officials will be partnered with a mentor who will provide support through the USA Hockey Officiating program certification process in addition to serving as a resource and support system during that crucial first season in stripes. "Fifty percent of officials quit before their second season," Hanley said. "There's proven evidence that with a mentor program, continuing education and support, these officials will make it beyond year one and onwards in their career." To learn more about the program go to NAHL.com/officiating/next-shift. I V E L O C A L Y O U T H HOCKEY PROGRAMS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA are taking a step in their efforts to grow the game thanks to the generosity of the Washington Capitals. The Bowie Hockey Club, Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena, George Mason University Ice Hockey Alumni Foundation, Navy Youth H o c k e y Fo u n d a t i o n a n d T i t a n s Yo u t h Hockey are the five Washington, D.C., area nonprofits tabbed to receive $10,000 each aid in their growth efforts. The organizations were selected by the Capitals based on their missions and impact toward diversity in hockey, as well as on their plans to use the funding to further advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the sport. In 2020 the Capitals and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation cre- ated the Capital Impact Fund to provide grants to organizations that can assist in e l i m i n a t i n g c o st b a r r i e r s f a c e d by i n d i - viduals of color in the hockey community b y a s s i s t i n g w i t h e q u i p m e n t , i c e t i m e , school programs, program fees and access to the game. P p The Fort DuPont Hockey Program was one of five Washington, D.C., area clubs to receive support from the Capitals. DIVERSITY F Caps' Cash Helps Local Diversity Efforts PHOTOS BY USA Hockey Magazine Archives; Getty Images OFFICIALS