After reading your article regarding the need for the KIJHL to go to a two-ref system I knew I needed to respond.
As a longtime fan here in Kelowna, and after watching the first two home games of the Chiefs first playoff round, I could not agree with you more.
Not only does the existing one-ref system completely fail, I think it’s an embarrassment to the league. Over the years (six-plus) it seems like the majority of the games we’ve seen could be considered nothing less than controlled by a ref with an agenda and ego, not calling what most would consider a good, fair game.
Of late, Kelowna has only had one or two refs that can call an acceptable game. Pretty sad when you consider that a team’s season, or playoff run, may end prematurely because of games won and lost due to the one and only ref making his own calls, a good percentage of the time. Even more concerning is the number of missed calls that result in injuries, some very serious.
Each season goes by and we, as fans, witness what goes on with no change. Of course, the argument is that this is a development league for players and for the officials, and we understand that, but I also believe that if it’s possible to have two “qualified” refs, it would be a whole lot better than what we have now. I truly wish the KIJHL would consider this.
Al Mayes
Kelowna