Langley referee Jeff Ingram has received the Western Hockey League Milestone Award in recognition of working more than 650 games.
Ingram said because he’s kept track of his number, the award did not come as a total surprise, but it was an opportunity to look back on what he described as “a long road, in a good way.”
“I took a lot of time to reflect,” he said, on the people who have supported him, on the games he called, and all the time away from home.
He described it as a journey “14 years in the making.”
Ingram told the Langley Advance Times he was “super lucky” that his wife, Blythe, is back home holding down the fort while he is on the road.
“I’m the one putting in the miles, she’s the one at home by herself,” Ingram remarked, saying Blythe is effectively a “single mom” during his time on the road.
After all those games, Ingram said he still loves the sport.
“I always have, and I always will,.”
Now 36, with two kids, he said he has no intention of seeking an NHL refereeing career.
“That ship sailed for me a number of years ago,” he commented.
“That’s not why I do it any more.”
WHL Senior Director, Officiating, Kevin Muench made the Milestone award presentation in a ceremony prior to Sunday’s (Nov. 27) game between the Portland Winterhawks and Vancouver Giants at Langley Events Centre, where Ingram was one of the two referees, with two linesmen, who officiated.
The WHL Milestone Award is presented to WHL players, coaches, trainers, officials, and WHL Championship teams for their outstanding achievements.
“On behalf of the WHL and our member Clubs, we would like to congratulate Jeff on receiving this prestigious WHL Milestone Award,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison.
“It takes a tremendous commitment to be an official in the WHL and we would like to thank Jeff for his remarkable service to our League over the past 14 seasons.”
Ingram, a Walnut Grove resident skated in his first career WHL regular season games during the 2009-10 season. He has worked more than 650 regular season games as well as 99 WHL playoff games.
Ingram has served as an official during six WHL championship series, most recently in 2022. He has also represented the WHL at two Memorial Cups, including 2016 and 2018.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Langley’s Jeff Ingram is WHL referee of the year
During the 2019-20 season, Ingram was recognized for his outstanding efforts when he was awarded the Allen Paradice Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL’s Top Official.
Internationally, Ingram worked the 2019 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship as well as the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship.
READ ALSO: Langley’s Ingram, Surrey’s Mills honoured with BCHL awards
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