At six games this season, beginning with Tuesday's contest against the Vancouver Canucks, one male and one female youth hockey referee will be chosen by the Minnesota Hockey Officials Association (MHOA) to be honored at a Minnesota Wild game. Each honoree will receive two tickets to the game and the chance to meet the NHL referees before the game.
The first pair of youth official honorees are Eva Erickson (17, from Eagan) and Brody Erola (14, from Owatonna).Erickson has three years of refereeing experience, and Erola has been officiating for the past year.
Before Tuesday's game, Erickson and Erola will meet with NHL referees Chris Leeand Kelly Sutherland, and linesmen Ryan Gallowayand Brian Machto learn about their professional refereeing experiences. The referees will answer questions and provide the youth referees helpful advice for navigating challenging in-game situations.
The remainder of the Minnesota Wild Youth Hockey Referee Spotlight Program meet-and-greets will take place during a home game in November, December, January, February and March.
