NCHC
men’s ice hockey will make its debut during the 2013-14 season with eight
successful Division 1 programs- Colorado College, University of Denver, Miami
University (Ohio), University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Nebraska at
Omaha, University of North Dakota, St Cloud State University and Western
Michigan University.
“We
are excited about having Don Adam join the NCHC staff and look forward to having
him assist us in overseeing the important officiating program,” said NCHC
Commissioner Jim Scherr. “Don brings a proven level of on-ice and
supervisory officiating expertise and his long term commitment to the college
game is invaluable to our goals. Don’s hiring is another significant step for
our conference as we move towards a new era in college hockey and the start of
our new conference playing in 2013-14.”
Adam
has served as one of the top NCAA Division I Ice Hockey officials in the nation
for 24 seasons. As an on-ice official he has worked numerous WCHA championships,
NCAA tournaments, and NCAA national championships. He was also selected by the
International Ice Hockey Federation to officiate an impressive list of key
international competitions which includes five World Championships, as well as
the 1992 and 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Albertville, France, and Nagano,
Japan.
Adam was also an NHL referee trainee for three seasons, as well as an
NHL-contracted official for one season. He brings additional prior experience as
the Director of Officiating for both the West Coast Hockey League and Roller
Hockey International. His reputation and involvement as a supervisor of
officials for USA Hockey’s Officials Development Program to the professional
hockey ranks reflects his commitment to ice hockey officiating at all levels for
over 25 years.
“I am
excited to join the staff of the NCHC and recognize this as a unique opportunity
to positively contribute to what I believe will become one of the top
conferences in the nation,” Adam said. “I’ve had the good fortune to work with
many of the NCHC’s coaches and administrators over the course of many seasons
and, based upon my respect for them both personally and professionally, I look
forward to continuing those relationships in the future. Under the leadership
of both Jim Scherr and Joe Novak, this opportunity will allow me to implement
and develop an officiating staff that the NCHC will be proud
of.”
Adam
currently resides in Denver and is employed by the city of Louisville (CO) as a
police officer, where he has served the public for the last nine years. Adam
compares his two current professions and looks forward to applying his
experiences to his new position: "Both
professions require a lot of quick decisions in pressure-filled situations.
Experience, judgment, common sense and clear communication are all huge factors
in achieving success, and I’m excited to face the challenges that this new
position will present me with.”
NCHC coaches are enthusiastic
about the new conference executive:
George
Gwozdecky- University of Denver- “For
over two decades, Don Adam has been regarded as one of the top hockey officials
in the NCAA. His leadership skills, organizational ability along with his
experience will be a valuable asset to the conference and
will assure that,
under his direction, the league will receive the finest collegiate officiating
available.”
Rico Blasi - Miami
University Ohio “It’s very exciting
to have someone like Don with the knowledge and experience leading our on-ice
officials. Along with his experience, his communication skills make Don a great
asset.”
Dean
Blais - University Nebraska at Omaha- “Don
Adam brings a wealth of experience in officiating to the National Collegiate
Hockey Conference. Don, as Director of Officiating, will be active in
evaluating, recruiting, coaching and directing our conference officiating staff
according to NCAA rules and regulations. He is a great communicator and will
have a lot of significant responsibilities with our new conference. We are all
looking forward to his role and leadership with our officiating
program.”
Dave
Hakstol/ University of North Dakota-
“Don is
very well respected throughout college hockey. Over the years his officiating
style has constantly evolved as changes have come to the way the game is played
and he is very well equipped to build a quality staff of officials for the
NCHC.”
And:
"Don has always been the personification of an honest, well-prepared and
knowledgeable official. What more can you ask for?" - Lou
Vairo
- 1984 United
States Olympic Hockey Coach • Former Assistant Coach; New Jersey Devils (NHL) •
Currently: Director, Special Projects; USA Hockey
Summary
of Don Adam's officiating career
One
year under contract as an NHL referee (1993-94).
Two
Olympic Winter Games as a referee (1992 in Albertville, 1998 in
Nagano).
Two
NCAA Frozen Fours as a referee (1997 in Milwaukee, 2003 in Buffalo,
N.Y.).
Director
of Officiating for both the West Coast Hockey League and Roller Hockey
International
USA
Hockey Officiating Development Program staff member
22
years as a Western Collegiate Hockey Association referee (plus two as a
linesman).
National
Collegiate Hockey Conference · The Copper Building · 1631 Mesa Avenue, Suite C ·
Colorado Springs, CO 80906 · 719.203.6818 · www.nchchockey.com
