Referee Scott Oakman retires after 20 OHL seasons
It was the beginning of a new season on home ice for the Oshawa Generals Sunday night at Tribute Communities Centre, but also the end of an era for one of the league’s longtime officials.
Referee Scott Oakman skated his final assignment after 20 years in Ontario Hockey League stripes.
The Mount Albert resident took to the ice alongside colleagues Mike Cairns and linesmen Kevin Hastings and Dave Pfohl before family and friends in attendance as the Generals hosted the North Bay Battalion.
“Scott was not only one of our longest serving officials but a true leader who was well respected by his peers, our teams, managers, coaches, and players around the league,” said OHL Director of Officiating Conrad Hache. “He was always supportive of the league and its initiatives and a mentor to many of the younger members on staff.”
Oakman, along with Hastings, and referee Sean Reid, all reached the 20 season milestone with the start of the 2018-19 campaign.
Officiating milestones help mark start of new #OHL season ????????
Congrats to veterans Hastings, Oakman, Reid, Miller, Cairns, Harrington, Lewis and best of luck to all members of Team 21 in 2018-19.
DETAILS: https://t.co/OM7wrNY0Sk pic.twitter.com/9vQdr0zt4K
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) August 31, 2018
Proud to be part of this group. https://t.co/bNn0u1Pgfm
— Scott Oakman (@ScottOakman) September 1, 2018
During his tenure he worked five straight OHL Championship Series from 2013-17 and represented the league at the 2014 Memorial Cup in London. Oakman was also the first recipient of the Ken Bodendistel Character Award for Officials introduced in 2013. ‘The Bodie’ is presented annually to the OHL official who demonstrates a passion and dedication to officiating and the game of hockey, who best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice, professionalism, and is respected by OHL member teams, players, and fellow officials alike.
Oakman’s final assignment included special recognition from the Generals with a presentation made by team owner Rocco Tullio. The game ended with a respectful gesture as both clubs lined up to shake hands with the senior official.
While his on-ice duties are complete, the full-time GTHL Executive Director will remain involved with OHL Team 21 as he transitions into a new role as one of the league’s Officiating Managers.
