I've been playing for a couple of years.  Started with roller hockey then tried ice and never went back.    I started at an intermediate level at first because I was skating a lot prior to hockey (metal wheel skates at the age of five, baby!).  I've played  co-ed and all-women teams (ice and roller), went to a few tournaments and started reffing this year.  I enjoy skating outdoors for fun and playing ice hockey with mostly guys because of their speed, skill, no-nonsense attitude and competitive edge.

I'm new to reffing, seven games, all women's game (NCWHL).  Looking into kids' leagues next. Why did you become an ice hockey official? I enjoy being on the ice and learning a different view of the game.

What's are your impressions about officiating?  Was it easier or harder than you thought it would be? Officiating is great, you difinitely learn a lot more about hockey.  I didn't  have any expectations of the ease of being a ref, I figured I'd have to learn a lot, there is a lot involved. Do you think being a woman affects your performance as an official, or how others (players, coaches, officials) respond to you?   No. What are your goals as an official? To be a good ref, but not a hard-up, strict one.  Hockey is supposed to be fun.

March, 2001 Featured Zebras: WHITNEY  WELCH and CARA  WEITZSACKER

Whitney and Cara are both new to officiating; they have only started working games within the past few months.  They are being profiled because they have a fresh look at the game with new Referees' eyes.

Hockey Resume:

Officiating:

What other sports do you play and/or officiate? I enjoy snowboarding and skating, biking and hiking, and going to the gym, any and all sports! What are your non-sports interests? Reading, painting, arts & crafts, visiting family, traveling, camping. Contact Information: Whitney's company web site is:  http://www.g-c.com/ You can contact Whitney by e-mail at:  wwelch@g-c.com

et cetera:

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You may remember her as Whitney Forrest from NCWHL's Maroon Division- she was married last October.  Whitney, 31, and husband Chris live in San Francisco.  Her day job is as Web Manager/Quality System Mgr/IS for Garratt-Callahan Company.

Whitney Welch