While BCHL alumni Mark Recchi, Tanner Glass, Milan Lucic and Jeff Tambellini will compete for hockey's ultimate prize starting Wednesday at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, they're not the only products of the league that will feature in the Finals.
Referee Kelly Sutherland and linesman Jay Sharrers are two of eight NHL officials who were selected to work the best-of-seven series between the Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks.
Sutherland, a 40-year-old Richmond native, has been refereeing in the NHL since the 2000-01 season. Sharrers, a 43-year old originally from Jamaica, grew up in B.C. and has also been in the NHL since 2000-01. He worked in the BCHL from 1986 to 1990.
"I have nothing but fond memories of my time in the BCHL." said Sharrers via e-mail on the day the puck dropped on the Finals. "I worked with a lot of great guys and had many a game with some wild activities in it. I sincerely feel that my development as an official was enhanced by my time spent in the BCHL.
"To any and all officials, present and future, savour your time in the BCHL as it is a great training ground if you have aspirations to pursue professional hockey."
Sutherland also honed his practice in the BCHL and progressed through the junior ranks and even worked the 1999 World Junior Championships in Sweden before getting into the pro game.
