Jason Bisbing Named 2026 Terry Partridge Beyond the Whistle Award Recipient

Ref’s Crease is proud to announce Jason Bisbing as the 2026 recipient of the Terry Partridge Beyond the Whistle Award, recognizing his commitment to mentorship, education, leadership, and the continued development of hockey officials.

Established in honor of Terry Partridge, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional professionalism on the ice while making a meaningful impact on the hockey community beyond the whistle.

For Jason, receiving the award was especially meaningful because of his opportunity to meet Terry and hear his stories firsthand.

“I was shocked. I was honored. Getting to meet Mr. Partridge himself and hearing his stories directly from him made it even more meaningful.”

A Commitment to Mentorship

Throughout his officiating career, Jason has made supporting younger officials a priority. He has contributed to USA Hockey seminars, officiating camps, and local games, helping officials navigate everything from education and assignments to the challenges of advancing through the ranks.

Jason takes pride in being approachable and creating an environment where younger officials feel comfortable asking questions.

His advice is simple: “There is no such thing as a stupid question.”

He encourages officials to rely on their partners and veteran officials, emphasizing that officiating is a team effort. He describes the officiating crew as the “third team on the ice” and believes communication and trust are essential to becoming a successful official.

“Jason represents exactly what this award is about,” said Gene Binda, Founder of Ref’s Crease. “He gives back to the officiating community, takes the time to help younger officials, and is always willing to step up wherever he is needed. His commitment to developing officials and helping them succeed makes him incredibly deserving of this recognition.”

Investing in the Next Generation

For Jason, mentorship is also a responsibility for veteran officials.

He believes experienced officials can have a meaningful impact on younger officials through simple moments of encouragement, constructive feedback, and support. Whether it's a fist bump after a game, a positive comment, or helping a new official recognize a potential safety concern, those small interactions can help build confidence and keep officials involved in the sport.

That commitment to recruitment and retention has become an important part of Jason's work within the officiating community.

Making Education Accessible

Jason's commitment to education is also personal.

Growing up with dyslexia and mild learning disabilities, he understands that people learn in different ways. That experience has shaped his desire to help create educational resources that are accessible to officials with different learning styles.

His goal is to continue helping new officials build confidence, understand the game, and find the resources and mentors they need to succeed.

Trusting the Process

Jason also emphasizes patience when it comes to advancement.

For officials looking to move to higher levels, he encourages them to attend development camps, build relationships with mentors, continue learning, and trust the process.

Advancement takes time, and every experience along the way is an opportunity to become a better official.

One of Jason's favorite career memories came during a Conference of New England Championship game. For him, the significance of that game went beyond the championship itself. It was an example of a crew communicating, working through difficult situations together, and earning the trust of supervisors, assigners, and teams.

That same teamwork and trust is something he hopes to pass along to the next generation.

Beyond the Whistle

When asked what the Terry Partridge Beyond the Whistle Award represents, Jason described the recipient as a “jack of all trades” within the officiating community.

Someone who is well-rounded. Someone who is willing to step up. Someone who is ready to help wherever there is a need.

Those qualities reflect the spirit of the award and the impact Jason has made throughout his career.

His work extends beyond the games he officiates. He is helping develop the officials who will work those games in the future.

Congratulations to Jason Bisbing, the 2026 recipient of the Terry Partridge Beyond the Whistle Award, and thank you for your continued commitment to the hockey officiating community and the next generation of officials.