| South Dakota native has been officiating for more than 40 years |
| COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today that John Helsdon (Rapid City, S.D.), who for more than 40 years served as an on-ice official and today continues to mentor young officials in South Dakota’s Rushmore Hockey Association, is the recipient of this year’s Chet Stewart Award. The honor recognizes the achievement of an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to USA Hockey’s officiating education program at the grassroots level during many years of service as both an official and volunteer. The award is named in honor of the late Chet Stewart, who for many years served as USA Hockey’s Referee-In-Chief. Although his reputation as an official surpasses many due to his expansive knowledge of the game, it’s his passion and commitment to help mentor the next generation within the Rushmore Hockey Association community that puts Helsdon in a league of his own. Helsdon began his officiating career with USA Hockey in the mid-1970s and his broad experience has helped contribute to his wide vision for how to facilitate growth in the officiating community. One of Helsdon’s passions is mentoring young officials and he continues to volunteer countless hours to help teach the fundamentals of the game to up-and-coming officials. Those closest to him laud Helsdon as one of the game’s most knowledgeable officials, noting he can still today essentially recite the rule book by heart. Helsdon is always working regularly to help grow the number of officials for the Rushmore Hockey Association house program and spends time providing feedback to young officials both before and after games to help them grow in their craft. Thanks to his boundless energy and commitment, the Rushmore Hockey Association continues to attract new officials to the sport each and every year. |
