A long-time hockey official in northern Saskatchewan has been honoured.
La Ronge’s Bruce Skilliter has earned the Saskatchewan Hockey Association’s Most Deserving Official award for Zone 8.
“It’s just pretty nice to be recognized after all of those years of hanging out in rinks,” said Skilliter.
Skillter worked his last game in the SJHL this past season in November when the La Ronge Ice Wolves hosted the Humboldt Broncos.
“Bruce has been officiating for nearly 45 years. While making a few moves along the way, he has always had a big impact as an official. This season he had the chance to work his final SJHL game at the age of 60 and his son, Graham, was able to join him on the ice during a break in his NHL schedule. This season capped off 26 years of service in the SJHL,” said the Saskatchewan Hockey Association on its website.
“Bruce continues his work mentoring younger officials in the La Ronge area, holding on-ice sessions to work with the younger officials and passing on his knowledge from years of experience. He has helped to recruit current SJHL players and others to join the officiating team up north and help to provide capable local officials to help the local minor hockey organization. Bruce is also a grassroots official coach and is transitioning to do some coaching in the SJHL in his hometown.”
Skilliter’s son Graham is a referee in the NHL.
(PHOTO: Bruce Skilliter during his last SJHL game. File photo.)