TORONTO – The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Tuesday the appointment of François Fortin as its referee-in-chief, with the assignment of representing the CJHL as an officiating coach at the 2023 Centennial Cup, Canadian National Jr. A Championship, May 11-21, in Portage la Prairie, Man.
A veteran official with over 30-plus years of officiating experience, Fortin brings a wealth of on and off-ice knowledge into the position.
As a resident of Levis, Que., Fortin currently serves as the chief officiating supervisor for the CJHL-member, the Quebec AAA Junior Hockey League, and refereed at the CJHL and USPORTS levels for 18 seasons, as well as 13 years in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
He also offers further experiences at a national and international level, having officiated games previously at the World Junior A Challenge and multiple USPORTS men’s hockey championships.
“François’ time in the game, along with his overall experiences both as a referee, and now as a supervisor, make him an ideal candidate to work with all of our selected officials who will be involved during the course of the Centennial Cup,” stated CJHL president Andy Harkness.
“We look forward to him to serving as an officiating coach on behalf of the CJHL as part of the team of qualified officials from the across the entire CJHL, who have earned the opportunity to be on the ice this May in Portage la Prairie,” added Harkness.
Hockey Canada manager of officiating, Dan Hanoomansingh, echoed the sentiments of Harkness in discussing Fortin’s appointment.
“The knowledge and experience that François has attained over his tenure as a game official puts him in good stead as the CJHL’s referee-in-chief and to be an officiating coach at the Centennial Cup,” stated Hanoomansingh.
He went on to add: “As an officiating supervisor at the provincial level with Hockey Quebec and LHJAAAQ, and having worked alongside a multitude of officials over the years brings with it an invaluable asset that will provide a certain quality and consistency in his role at the National Junior A Championship.”
Among Fortin’s duties leading up to, and during, the 10-team event include:
• Sitting on the committee for the selection of the referees and linespersons who will officiate during the Centennial Cup.
• While in attendance at the National Junior A Championship, serve as part of a three-person officiating coach/supervisor group during scheduled games throughout the event.
• Sit on the 2023 Centennial Cup disciplinary committee.
For his part, Fortin looks forward to being part of the 10-team event that will feature the respective CJHL member-league champions and the host Portage Terriers (MJHL).
“I’m extremely honoured to have been selected as CJHL referee-in-chief and along with that, have the opportunity to be part of the Centennial Cup and work with Hockey Canada, the CJHL and our entire officiating team is something I truly relish and will put all my efforts in to.”
For further information on the 2023 Centennial Cup, visit the official Hockey Canada website at:
