The Western International Junior Hockey League (WIJHL) is pleased to have the BCHL’s Department of Player Safety (DOPS) oversee discipline & player safety for our league.
The BCHL’s DOPS oversees all on-ice incidents during WIJHL games. If an incident has the potential to warrant discipline to an individual player, the DOPS meets to discuss whether or not it deserves a suspension, and what the appropriate length of suspension would be.
Beyond disciplining players and coaches, a large focus of the DOPS is on education. In the case that a player is disciplined, the DOPS works with that player to educate them on why a suspension was given and how to avoid it going forward.
Brad Lazarowich – BCHL Vice President, Hockey Operations
In his role with the BCHL, Lazarowich is responsible for monitoring, mentoring and developing BCHL & WIJHL referees and linesmen. He handles the scheduling of officials for all BCHL & WIJHL games and maintains open communication with coaches across the BCHL & WIJHL on all officiating inquiries.
One of the longest-serving officials in NHL history, Lazarowich started in the NHL in 1986 and worked 1,971 games before retiring in 2016. He was assigned to three Stanley Cup Finals, highlighted by a Game 7 in 2003 between the Anaheim Ducks and New Jersey Devils. He also worked the World Cup of hockey in 1996 and 2004, the 1996 NHL All-Star Game in Boston and he spent 16 years in the NHL Officials Association where he played a key role in collective bargaining, officials contracts and the NHL Pension Society.
“I’m excited to be working with the WIJHL and helping take its officiating program to a high level of professionalism. Our focus will be on developing and supporting officials, creating consistency across the league, and ensuring every game is conducted with integrity, respect, and player safety at the forefront. The WIJHL has a tremendous opportunity to build a strong standard, and I’m looking forward to being part of that process.” — Brad Lazarowich, BCHL Vice President, Hockey Operations
Mike Matthies will be leading the player safety side for the WIJHL and will be assisted by Brad Lazarowich & Sean Robertson.
