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| Why did you become an ice hockey official? I love the game, could use the money, and figured I could do just as good a job as any of the officials I had seen as a spectator. What's the best thing about being an ice hockey official? Being part of the game, getting to know players and coaches. What's the worst thing about being an ice hockey official? Admitting when you're wrong (although I know that's VERY rare!). How do you think being a woman has affected your career, good or bad, as an official? I think it's an advantage, because people tend to remember me, and I feel like I get respect for being a girl who can call a good game. What are your goals as an official? Hopefully, I may be able to do some college women's games. Some people think that if I stick with it, I might be able to at least line in the Olympics, but that's going to take a lot of work! Relate a memorable event you've had as an official. I'd have to say that getting a Bantam [Youth Division - age 14 and below] slapshot off the boards and on the chin was a pretty frightening experience... breaking up my first Bantam/Midget [age 17 and below] fight was also memorable. I was also fortunate enough to work both NorCal A and B Championships and State A and B Championships as well. The State tournament was my greatest learning experience so far as a ref, considering the dozens of evaluations I was given. |
| I started figure skating in Albuquerque, New Mexico, when I was six. I took lessons from Laura Galindo [sister and coach of US Men's National Champion Rudy Galindo] for two years. Now I'm a Junior level skater; I went to Nationals in Colorado Springs with my synchronized team. I'll be traveling for competition again to Colorado in January and Lake Placid [New York] in March. |
| September, 2001 Featured Zebra: KATIE DOWTY |
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| Katie, 16, is a rarity- she became an ice hockey official before she even played the game. But as you will see from her profile, she is no stranger to ice rinks. While she has only been an official for two years, she has officiated for several ice hockey leagues, including the Northern California Women's Hockey League (NCWHL), NorCal Junior Hockey League, and the Fremont Youth In-House League. And she's on the fast track- this year she was invited to work both local and state youth hockey championship tournaments. In addition, she teaches group and private skating lessons, and works as a skate guard at Dublin Iceland. Katie lives in San Ramon with her family, which includes her brother, Greg, who played for the 2001 NorCal Champion Tri-Valley Blue Devils Squirt B team. |
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| What other sports do you play and/or officiate? I've been figure skating for ten years; I also coach two Special Olympics skaters, Jenny and Mallory, every Thursday. I just started snowboarding, and I love it! What are your other (non-sports) interests? Right now I'm into a lot of music, mainly alternative. And I'm having a lot of fun with my new driver's license. Contact information: You can contact Katie by e-mail at: dowsack@yahoo.com |
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