James Kraft: The Journey of a Referee

James Kraft never imagined he’d be officiating high-level hockey games, let alone making a name for himself in the Ontario Hockey League. Growing up, James didn’t play hockey at an elite level, and for a long time, he didn’t see a future for himself in the sport beyond casual involvement. But that changed in 2022.

It all began in Mississauga, where James was playing minor hockey. One day, his association reached out to the team looking for timekeepers. Curious and eager to be involved, James accepted the role. That small step led to a bigger opportunity: a chance to start officiating.

From that moment on, James climbed the ladder—starting in the Mississauga Hockey League, then moving through the Greater Toronto Hockey League, and eventually making his way to the Ontario Hockey League. Along the way, one thing consistently set him apart: he hadn’t played high-level hockey, and that fact often raised eyebrows.

“When you go to referee big games in big rinks, some coaches know your background,” James explained. “They wonder, ‘How could someone who didn’t play at a high level be officiating this game?’”

But James learned to carry himself with confidence. He understood that he had earned his place just like the players and coaches had. “Your name didn’t just fall out of a hat and land you in a professional game,” he said. “You’re there for a reason.”

One of the biggest challenges he faced was improving his skating. In the offseason, the time when players and officials alike put in the most work, James dedicated himself to power skating lessons. “Even if it’s just you and some buddies on the ice, you’ve got to get the reps in,” he said. “Your skating can’t be a liability.”

As James progressed to higher levels, he began to see how critical communication was in officiating, whether it was with players, coaches, fellow officials, or supervisors. Composure, professionalism, and the ability to manage pressure became essential skills. At that level, the stakes are high, and there are no video replays to fall back on. “You’ve got a split second to make the right call—and it has to be as accurate as possible,” he said.

James also acknowledged the mental and emotional toll that comes with officiating. “You get yelled at. People think you’re wrong—even when you’re not. It gets to you,” he admitted. “You start second-guessing yourself. But at the end of the day, if you stay focused and remember why you started, it’s all worth it.”

For James Kraft, officiating wasn’t part of the original plan, but it became his passion and his purpose. His journey is a testament to what dedication, self-belief, and hard work can accomplish, even when you don’t take the traditional path.