(Montreal) The intrasquad game presented Sunday at the Bell Center was much more special than a simple showcase for the hopes of the Montreal Canadiens for Élizabeth Mantha.
Posted at 6:54 p.m.
The first woman to referee a QMJHL game and a member of a group of women who have refereed American Hockey League games since last season, Mantha was on duty, participating in an official NHL activity.
“I received a text message [de la LHJMQ] last week asking me if I was available. Of course we don’t say no to that,” Mantha said after the game.
No one flinched when she called a punishment on Chris Wideman for hanging. No player either went to see her to highlight her participation in the event.
“We see women being named to different positions all over the NHL. I think we’re there, said Mantha. I think the men are there. I don’t see any problems with the fact that I am a woman. Nothing. »
Mantha, who is 32 and the older sister of Washington Capitals forward Anthony, was able to savor the experience on Sunday. It is rare for referees to be very busy during an intrasquad match.
“I wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself and I wanted to enjoy the moment. I am very privileged,” Mantha said.
Mantha hopes to continue in her pioneering footsteps and believes the day when a woman will referee an NHL game is not far off.
“The American League is a development league for the NHL. We’ll see where it takes us,” she said.
Like all referees, Mantha’s work is watched by supervisors.
Mantha underlined that the game was faster in the professionals than in the juniors and that it required good adaptability. The referees have to get used to this rhythm of play, like the players.
“A new league means a lot of adjustments,” she explained. Skating is part of it, the penalty call standard too.
“In my case, what I’m told to work on is my skating to close the gap with the game and the players to get the best possible angle for a penalty call. »
Last winter, Mantha also refereed matches at the Beijing Olympics.
She indicated that she was soon to travel to Chicago for an AHL camp. Mantha will continue to work in QMJHL and AHL games this winter and she will even be able to officiate AHL games in the United States since she has a visa to do so.