For the second time, Langley referee Jeff Ingram has been awarded the Allen Paradice Memorial Trophy as WHL Official of the Year for the 2023-24 WHL Regular Season.
Ingram, a Walnut Grove resident, was last recognized during the 2019-20 season.
He recently completed his 15th season as a WHL Official, having first skated on a full-time basis during the 2009-10 season.
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“It is truly an honour to be this year’s recipient of the Al Paradice Award,” Ingram said.
“The list of names I share this recognition with is long and distinguished. I couldn’t be more proud and grateful to be the recipient of this award, not once, but twice in my career. “I’d like to thank Kevin Muench and our team of officiating coaches – they do a tremendous job with us throughout the season. I’d also like to thank my teammates that I get to hit the ice with every single night. We have a lot of good, young officials that are doing a great job for our league. They’re only going to continue to get better. “Lastly, of course, I couldn’t do this job without the support of my family. My wife, Blythe, thank you so much for the support at home over the past 15 seasons. That has allowed me to continue this job. To my kids, Landon and Adelyn, seeing you guys behind the glass at a bunch of my games – those are memories I will always cherish. “It’s truly an honour to work for the Western Hockey League and share the ice with these players that only seem to get more skilled every single season.”
Ingram has officiated over 700 WHL regular season games and more than 100 WHL Playoff games over his career. “It is my honour to present this award to Mr. Jeff Ingram,” said Brad Meier, WHL Officiating Development Coach.
Named to seven consecutive WHL Championship Series (2015-2019, 2022-2023),Ingram remains on the WHL Officiating roster for the 2024 WHL Playoffs, having been assigned to the WHL Conference Championships.
He has made two appearances at the Memorial Cup.
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In November 2022, Ingram was presented with the WHL Milestone Award as recognition for his outstanding achievements.
Most recently, he was a part of the officiating crew for the 2022 IIHF World Championship. He has also skated at the IIHF World Junior Championship (2019), and IIHF U18 World Championship (2016).
Named in honour of former WHL Referee Allen Paradice, the award recognizes the WHL’s top on-ice official and is voted upon by WHL General Managers. In addition to his many years of service at the WHL, Paradice refereed a number of large events in Canadian Major Junior hockey, including the 1977 Memorial Cup in Vancouver.