Working on his dreams

Times Editor

 

Since he was 13, Justin Geeraert has been working way up the officiating ladder.

The Rockyford native, who has been plying his trade in various levels of minor hockey, took part in the prestigious Macs Midget Hockey Tournament for the third time in his career Dec. 26-Jan. 1 as a linesman.

“It’s a good experience and I really enjoy coming out,” said Geeraert. “It is a lot more intense (than regular season games), especially when the teams have something to play for. It’s quick hockey.”

Despite the speed of the game, Geeraert proved he could keep up, as the 23-year-old was even selected as a linesman for the playoff portion of the tournament, something that he achieved for the first time.

Another first for him was being able to officiate an Alberta Junior Hockey League game earlier in December.

“I’d like to be in the Western Hockey League in a couple of years and see where it goes from there,” said Geeraert of his future goals. “It’s pretty hard to get into the ‘show’ (NHL) – it would be cool – but definitely the Western League is my goal.”

According to Geeraert, he first started refereeing in Rockyford for three years before being recruited to Strathmore to officiate in the South Central Albert Hockey League (double-A progam).  From there he was “seen and noticed and things took off from there.”

Now Geeraert is a regular in the Alberta Midget Hockey League (triple-A) and is working his way up. He is very grateful for the people who helped pave the way for his success.

“I’ve had a lot of people help me … John Culshaw and Dave Dutka in Strathmore,” he said. “Then this past year, Clayton Hall has helped me out a bit and stuff like that. A local guy – Clayton got to the Western League, so he knows what it takes to get there. It helps out a lot.”