Four Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League officials and Saskatchewan natives have been named to the officiating roster for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy.
Yorkton, SK Tarrington Wyonzek, Cudworth, SK’s Cianna Murray, Moose Jaw, SK’s Michelle McKenna, and Alex Clarke of Drake, SK will all take to the ice in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo next February.
“The entire SJHL community is incredibly proud to see Cianna, Michelle, Alex, and Tarrington selected to officiate at the 2026 Olympics,” said Paul Raycroft, the SJHL’s Senior Manager of Player Safety and Standard of Play.
“Each of them came through the ranks of the Saskatchewan Officiating Development Model (SODM), and their journey is a shining example of what commitment, hard work, and the right support system can achieve. This milestone is not only a reflection of their skill and professionalism on the ice but also a testament to their character and dedication to the game. They represent the very best of what it means to be part of the SJHL and the SODM, and we know they’ll bring the same integrity and excellence to the world stage.”
The SJHL takes pride in developing players first, but also in the development and promotion of coaches, broadcasters, staff, and officials, all of whom are central to that vision.
“Congratulations to Alex, Cianna, Michelle, and Tarrington,” said SJHL commissioner Kyle McIntyre.
“The Olympics are the pinnacle of sport, and the SJHL is proud to have been part of the development of these officials. We wish each an enjoyable and successful tournament.”
The 2026 Games are the second Olympic appearances for Clarke and Murray, following their participation in the Beijing tournament in 2022. Wyonzek will officiate the men’s competition, adding to an international résumé that includes two IIHF World Junior Championships and two IIHF World Men’s Hockey Championships.
Find the official Hockey Canada release below, written by Shannon Coulter.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has announced the officiating roster for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Ten Hockey Canada officials—five referees and five linespersons—will take part in the tournament in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The officials are:
Referees:
- Mike Campbell (Surrey, BC/BC Hockey)
- Cianna Murray (Cudworth, SK/Hockey Saskatchewan)
- Elizabeth Mantha (Montréal, QC/Hockey Québec)
- Michelle McKenna (Moose Jaw, SK/Hockey Saskatchewan)
- Shauna Neary (Herring Cove, NS/Hockey Nova Scotia)
Linespersons:
- Alex Clarke (Drake, SK/Hockey Saskatchewan)
- Laura Gutauskas (Brampton, ON/OWHA)
- Justine Todd (Alliston, ON/OWHA)
- Tarrington Wyonzek (Yorkton, SK/Hockey Saskatchewan)
- Erin Zach (Elmira, ON/OWHA)
The IIHF has also selected Vanessa Stratton (Windsor, ON), women’s head coach of Hockey Canada’s Officiating Program of Excellence, to serve as an officiating coach for the women’s tournament.
“Officiating at the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of an amateur official’s career,” said Dan Hanoomansingh, officiating manager. “These officials have been working tirelessly towards this goal for the last four years, and it is a credit to their determination and skill that they have made it a reality.”
The selected officials participated in a lengthy evaluation process beginning in 2023 as part of the IIHF’s “Road to Milano.” Officials were evaluated in domestic competition, professional hockey and multiple IIHF tournaments prior to their final selection.
The officials for the men’s tournament will gather for a preparation camp in August in Buffalo, New York. The officials for the women’s tournament will attend a preparation camp in December in Europe.
The Hockey Canada Officiating Program is for anyone who is interested in officiating, from the grassroots to the international game. The 13 Members provide a path for anyone to participate in officiating, develop a love for the game and achieve their goals. For more information about the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, visit HockeyCanada.ca/Officials.
With files from Benny Walchuk/GX94
