NEWARK, N.J. - When the lights dimmed and the officials took the ice at the Prudential Center, two younger members joined them for the first lap and National Anthem. Atlantic Affiliate officials Mario Gato and Logan Golembiewski were invited for a pre-game chat and skate with their NHL counterparts as part of a program organized by the New Jersey Devils and NHL that recognizes young members of the hockey community who brave wearing the stripes.
In an occasion somewhat rare for NHL arenas, the six officials even received an ovation from the crowd when their names were announced and images displayed on the jumbotron.
Gato has been skating games for five years, taking the ice wearing stripes for the first time when he was just 12 years old. It all started with a striped jersey and visor under the tree one Christmas, and has since led to opportunities skating games at Atlantic Affiliate and USA Hockey National Championships. “The more experienced officials are always ready to teach and have my back when making decisions,” he said of his experience the past five years. “They’ve always been such great friends and role models to me and it makes a great tight knit community and I know if I ever have any questions or need help with something they'll have my back.”
For Golembiewski, the officiating journey has been a little bit shorter. This is his first season wearing the stripes, and he has been spending more time on the ice with younger players. “My favorite part about officiating is the lighthearted and funny interactions I get to have with the younger kids on the ice,” he said. He has been playing for nine years at Flemington Ice Arena and took on the challenge of officiating in memory of a close friend who was an official and passed away over the summer. “I decided to honor his legacy by signing up for officiating that August”, Golembiewski recalled.
Both were invited to the game and given the opportunity to hear from NHL officials about their experience and pathway to the big show. Following their recognition on the ice, they got to watch the game from the stands and cheer on the third team - the officials.
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