NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – Johnathan Morrison of Minneapolis, MN of and Keith Kaval of Erie, PA have been selected by USA Hockey and the International Ice Hockey Federation as two of three American officials who will work the 2010-11World Junior Championship Tournament. They join veteran Dave Brown out of Wall Township, NJ who has worked NCAA college hockey including the Frozen Four NCAA Championship series, the American Hockey League and previous IIHF sponsored tournaments including last year’s World Championships in Germany. Both Morrison and Kaval worked several seasons in the North America Hockey League and United States Hockey League as part of their initial participation in the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program (ODP). Morrison is still a part of the USHL working an occasional game as part of his role as a member of the ODP supervisory staff and a mentor to newer officials in the program. Kaval went on from a full-time position in the ODP to work in the ECHL, American Hockey League and at several international tournaments. Most recently in addition to his assignments in various professional leagues in North America the resident of Erie, PA worked the U-18 World Championship Tournament last year. Morrison a former USHL linesman and referee has an extensive background in junior, collegiate and pro hockey including officiating in the AHL. He is also no stranger to international competition. He has worked the last two Paralympics sledge hockey tournaments in Gran Torino, Italy and Vancouver, BC Canada. Interestingly, Morrison’s Uncle a former USHL official in the 1970s previously worked two World Junior Championships. “I congratulate Johnathan and Keith on their recognition” said Scott Brand who coordinates the ODP for USA Hockey. Brand went on to say “the competitive nature of junior hockey in the USA and the opportunities provided by the partner leagues of USA Hockey ODP have played a big part of the success of these two officials. Round robin play among the U-20 national teams from eight nations including Team USA will commence December 26, 2010 and continue through January 5, 2011. The U-20 World Championships is the top level junior tournament sponsored by the IIHF. Team USA is the WJC defending champion after beating Canada in overtime in last year’s final. Contact the author at Phil.Brand@prohockeynews.com
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