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03/02/08 |
       
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This site was last updated 03/02/08
TRIBUTES TO REJEAN BEDARD
It is
with great regret that I announce that Reggie Bedard has decided to
retire from officiating.
He will
be greatly missed. His funny chracter in the locker room, his sincere
appreciation of the game, and his over all professionalism has made him
one of our best, and loved friends.
Reggie
never missed an assignment, nor was concerned as to what level of hockey
he was given.
I for
one will miss Reggie very much, and thank him for all the character
that he brought to our league.
I know that you along with me you wish him
good health and happiness in the future.
Rich Maxwell
After being scared that the announcement was going to be about
something more than retirement I would like to echo the sentiments
that are being offered here.
Reggie, You will be missed by all. First there was the big smile,
wave and hello offered to all who entered the locker room mixed in
with the smell of Ben Gay as you wrapped up preparing to work a game.
Then there were the stories and jokes you offered (especially if Hank
S. was also in the room) followed by an always enjoyable and
professional experience on the ice working with you. Your calm
demeanor when faced with a loud player or coach always served to calm
the situation quickly. As others have pointed out your responses in
situations was always priceless. My favorites were the ones directed
to those offensive players in front of the net complaining about being
knocked around by the defenders. Your responses of "You're in front
of zee net, you're going to get knocked down! What do you expect?"
were always right on.
Thank you for being an excellent presence on and off the ice that
helped many of us grow as officials. You will be missed. Best of
luck with all you do in the future.
Tom Connors (say hello to Barbara Adams when you see her).
Way back when, I was assigned my first "Ray" game at Superior. When
I got there I saw that my partner was this French-Canadian guy named
Rejean. We made some small talk in the locker room and finally it
came time to hit the ice. Well, hit the ice he did. A piece of tape
sttuck to Reggie's skate and he went flying. His helmet flew off and
the back of his head struck the surface.I helped him up and after a
few minutes he was ready to go. The game went very smoothly with
Reggie doing his usual great job while coaching the "rookie". We
went our seperate ways and I again saw Reggie about a week later. I
started talking about our previous meeting and was met with blank
stares.Finally he admitted that he didn't know what the F I was
talking about. He had no recall of our game from the week before -
which only goes to show that not only could Reggie do a game in his
sleep - he could do a game while unconsious ... and do it better
than most. We're gonna miss you Reg.
Favorite Reggie-ism - "This is 'ockey not ten-nis, if you don't want
to get hit get off the hice."
Ed Mace
Reggie, all the best hope to be able to see you in the near future as a fellow countrymen I know what you brought to the sport and to the young official you were privileged to be on the ice with you.
Bonne Chance!!!!
Jonathan Parrella
Reggie,
The true testimonial to Reggie's abilities is the manner in which hockey players viewed him as a referee. I can state without reservation that each time I worked with Reggie the players respected him for his honesty, hard work and good nature. I can confirm that fact through the numerous complimentary comments and the positive evaluations from players, coaches and even fans comments regarding Reggie's demeanor and professionalism on the ice. I will miss working with my friend but more I will miss the laughs that we shared together on the ice as well as our locker room discussions about life. I wish he and his family all the best and I will keep some sugarless gum in my pocket in case one day he should change his mind and come back to Beaver Dam for one more "Bantam Game". I will be waiting and hoping . . . :) Michael T. Clancy
Hey Hey Reggie
I want to wish you all the best, we had some good times officiating games.
As time goes bye and fellow officials start to leave it makes me think of
the "old days" and the fun we had like the time I gave away a men's league
A game to Morese Solomon and as you recall he was a solid referee who
could handle the highest levels of hockey (I think I saw him refereeing an
NHL game last night LOL, Ha Ha).
Good luck to you, we will all miss you Frenchie!
Take care..
Alex
Early on in my career I was working with Reggie in a 2 man Bantam game and I made a penalty shot call on something that was in the “gray area” and probably should have been called just as a 2 min. tripping penalty. After the penalty shot, and at the end of the period I asked Reggie what he thought of the call…..Reggie shrugged his shoulders, gave me a look while struggling to say something positive about the call, Reggie said “well you know, it is Christmas time, what the hell !” Best of luck Reggie….stay in touch. Tom Columbia
One of my fondest memories came early in my
career. Reggie and I were working a Ban Tam game. This kid gets bull
dogged to the ice while in front of the net. Reggie standing right there.
No arm goes up. The kid is on the ice, on both knees with both hands
outstretched and yelling to Reggie who made no call "are you kidding me
Ref" In full Reggie character Reggie responds. Hey kid you gonna stand
there, you gonna get hit. Classic.
Good Luck Reggie, come around sometime and say
hello.
Keith Fallon
Best of luck to my Mentor, my teacher and a good friend on and off the ice. One thing Reggie taught me was and I quote, “When you’re the ref, never take crap from anyone.” Spoken like a true Canadian. You will be missed my friend. Good luck to you and your family. Robert Thibault
Best of luck Reggie you were a ambassador to the game and a great person to work with all the time. You will be missed more than you know. Rich Slattery
THEY WANT PENALTIES CALLED!! We have been receiving numerous emails and phone calls from league officials and players complaining about the lack of calls for obvious penalties. The bottom line is that they want penalties called. Not coincidentally I have also been receiving more match penalty reports of a more serious nature than previously. The lack of penalties is perceived by the players that officials being lazy or indifferent to the game that they are officiating. That is not true for the most part but perception is reality to the average Adult League player. We not only have to be into the game, we also need to make sure that the players are aware that we are into the game. Being in the right position, having a strong whistle and hustling are but a few ways of showing the players that you care about the game that you are doing. Yes, the player getting the penalty will complain but remember that the player that was affected by the penalty would complain if the call wasn't made. We are in a no win situation but if we are going to get yelled at we may as well get yelled at for making the right call. Please, if you see something - call something.
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