The Winter Olympics gave New England hockey fans even more to celebrate as officials Chris Rooney and Kelly Cooke — both tied to Referee’s Crease — worked the men’s and women’s gold medal games. Their journeys highlight how dedication, development, and passion can take officials from local rinks to the Olympic stage, inspiring the next generation to keep striving.

At the PA Elite Midget PPHL Showcase, officials honed their skills in a high-level, three-person system environment. With live feedback from supervisor Gene Binda, referees focused on mechanics, communication, and teamwork. Key lessons like the 10-second drill helped crews manage tense moments effectively, showing how mentorship, situational awareness, and practice build confidence for advancing to college-level hockey.