Two of Saskat-chewan's highest rising officials through the Junior hockey ranks just happen to be brothers from Yorkton. Former Sacred heart student Tarrington Wyonzek and his brother Tannum a current student as SHHS have been on a similar path through the officiating circuit in recent years. The older Tarrington leading the way by recently getting hired to officiate in the Western Hockey League and being named to the officiating crew for the U-17 Worlds in Nova Scotia over the Christmas season. Tannum won Most Promising Official from Hockey Canada last season after spending time in all levels of Saskatchewan hockey including the Midget AAA ranks, also winning the Saskatchewan Hockey Association Most Promising Official Award and taking part in their Official Development Program for referees.
On Sunday the two worked the lines together for the first time as Tannum worked his first Junior game at the pair of brother's hometown rink when the Terriers hosted the Flin Flon Bombers. While it may not have been noticeable to the causal spectator on Sunday, it was a special moment for the family and the two officials.
"People might say it is just officiating and wonder why we were so excited, but we had family and friends come and watch us call a game together and it felt like we were kids again playing minor hockey," says Tarrington., who mentioned that he tries to help give his younger brother the same advice older officials give him.
"In the officiating community we all text and email each other with questions and tips and share opinions with each other on certain calls often so I try to give the same type of advice to Tannum whenever I can," says the older brother.
Tannum echoed his older brother and admitted that it is usually him asking for the advice rather than his older brother giving Tarrington's experience. "Tarrington has been a round a bit longer so it isn't often that I am the one giving the advice, but if I need help with something off or on the ice I always know I can give him a call and pick his brain," says Tannum.
Tarrington started his officiating career in minor hockey, first as a way to pick up some extra cash, but a part time job soon turned into a skill and a talent. Now Tarrington takes growing as an official seriously, trying to improve each day. "After I saw how far officiating could go I started getting a bit more serious about it and consider it like playing, we have to be on the ice for the full sixty minutes and be able to not only keep up with the pace but be in good enough shape to make smart decisions in a split second while being in the right position," says Tarrington who mentions that gym time is one of the underrated aspects of officiating in the Western league and the next level. "Our officiating director expects us to be in great shape so I try to make sure I am in the gym every day improving my cardio while also working on the fundamentals of officiating," says Tarrington.
Tannum is looking at his older brother's career path and is hoping he can take get there some day. "Getting to work my first Junior game was exciting and you could definitely notice the quicker pace and I hope to get some more assignments this season and continue to work on getting better."
As for Tarrington, he hopes to keep rising through the officiating ranks, but knows that the next step to the pros may be off a ways.
"One day officiating pro hockey would be a dream come true, but for now I am enjoying getting my foot in the door in the Western league and now getting the assignment for the U-17's will be an equally as exciting experience getting to call the international game."
As for his little brother's performance, Tarrington was impressed with the youngster.
"I told him after the first period, you are doing fine kid, keep it up."
