Nobody does it alone.
Every new official is paired with an experienced mentor for their entire first season. Learn on the ice from someone who's been there — without pressure, without judgment.
Learn from
the best.
NEWHOA's mentoring program pairs every new official with an experienced mentor for their first full season. The program is designed to accelerate development, build confidence, and create a supportive environment where new officials can ask questions and grow.
Mentors are experienced officials at Level 3 or above who volunteer their time. The program runs October through March with structured monthly check-ins, real-time on-ice support, and post-game debriefs.
Who's Enrolled
All new Level 1 officials are automatically enrolled. Officials returning after a multi-year hiatus may also request a mentor pairing.
Five touchpoints
each month.
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Pre-Game Preparation
Mentors walk through pregame routines, equipment checks, and communication with coaches before early-season games.
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On-Ice Pairing
Mentors work the same games as their mentee when possible, providing real-time guidance and post-game debrief.
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Rules Study Sessions
Monthly sessions cover common situations, edge cases, and recent USA Hockey rule changes at the mentee's assigned level.
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Game Review
Constructive written feedback after observed games — strengths first, then one or two focused areas for improvement.
Meet the mentors
Our mentoring team volunteers their time to support every new and developing official. Wolf Wendell, NEWHOA's Training Coordinator, leads the program — each mentor is paired with mentees based on home rink, experience level, and the games they're working.
Wolf Wendell
Dan VanAdestine
Doug Gnadt
Mark Adriansen
Mike Spice
Alex Golebiewski
Become a Mentor
Experienced officials interested in joining the mentoring team should contact Wolf Wendell, NEWHOA's Training Coordinator. Mentors earn continuing-education credits toward level advancement and are recognized at the annual banquet.
Your first season shouldn't feel like a test.
Every new NEWHOA official gets paired with a mentor — automatically, at no cost.
Register for 2026–27 →Get in touch
Questions about becoming an official, scheduling, or anything else? Send us a message and the right board member will get back to you.
By submitting, your message will open in your email client addressed to newhoawi@gmail.com.