The Mid Hudson
Ice Hockey Officials Association, Inc. was organized from a small group of parents in the late 1960’s that began officiating
their children’s ice hockey games voluntarily. Fred Leahy and Dick Flint headed this group of six dedicated parents.
As time went on, they affiliated themselves with the American Hockey Association of the United States, which is now known
as USA Hockey.
In the late
1970’s an affiliation with the National Ice Hockey Officials Association (NIHOA) was secured by Dick Flint. The organization
was incorporated in 1993 as The Mid Hudson Ice Hockey Officials Association, Inc.
Today we are
one of the largest organized groups of ice hockey officials in New York State. We officiate for over 20 organizations ranging
from mini-mite to college club hockey. Our organization has certified instructors and evaluators. Our most promising officials
have continued their officiating careers in the ECAC, which has opened up other opportunities as well. We continue to grow
and look for the most dedicated and promising officials demonstrating leadership ability.
Although few
of the original 6 members are with us today, we are forever grateful for their dedication and commitment to provide an important
and often overlooked aspect to the sport of ice hockey for the children, teenagers, men and women of our community.