Matyas “Ty” Martiniuk, a 15-year-old hockey official, has recently received the title of Official of the Year from the Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association. Martiniuk, who also holds the position of top official at the Kerry Park Minor Hockey Association, expressed surprise and gratitude for the recognition, affirming his commitment to delivering his best performance in every game to support the players and coaches.
According to KPMHA President Shane Kendall, Martiniuk’s dedication and exceptional performance distinguish him from other officials. Despite his young age, Martiniuk completed his third year of officiating and earned his Level 2 qualification a year prior to meeting the age requirement. His remarkable achievements also encompass officiating games at various levels, including KPMHA, U17 CSSHL, and the VIAHA U21 final.
Kendall commended Martiniuk for his maturity, ability to seek feedback for self-improvement, and his courteous and honest approach to officiating. The young official’s commitment is evident in the approximately 50 games he has officiated in this year, a testimony to his dedication in striving for excellence in his role.
Even after attaining a higher level of qualification, Martiniuk continues to contribute to his home association by mentoring and supervising younger officials and leading development sessions. Kendall acknowledged Martiniuk’s involvement in assisting new and younger officials with their growth, highlighting the positive impact of his willingness to give back to the association.
Martiniuk’s narrative reflects his passion for officiating and the positive impact he aspires to make on the sport. Similar to AHL/NHL official Graedy Hamilton, Martiniuk’s dedication to officiating sets him apart and serves as an inspiration to young officials and aspiring athletes. His commitment to self-improvement, leadership, and dedication to the sport make him a true role model for the next generation of hockey officials.
The acknowledgment of Matyas “Ty” Martiniuk as the VIAHA Official of the Year is a well-deserved honour, reflecting his outstanding contributions to the sport and his commitment to excellence. As he continues to pave the way for young officials in the hockey community, Martiniuk’s dedication and passion serve as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.