Elite Hockey League Makes History

Officiating has changed over the years and I for one have seen numerous changes from rules to on-ice officials now taking huge strides moving forward.

Now we are hearing of a young lady who has turned her attention to working as an on-ice lines-person; no longer referred as linesman.

Just received this from the Elite Ice Hockey League about how they are transforming the game and you just know it’s only a matter of time that we will see this happen in the NHL.

Say what you will, but it just might be in the works already, so don’t say you weren’t told.

I appreciate the info and thanks for sharing!!

There haven’t been many female officials in the Elite League, but we certainly haven’t seen one come overseas to the UK and become a member of Team Stripes.

Liv Andersson is certainly doing that as she settles into her first season as a lineswoman and is enjoying her experience so far.

And she explained how a girl from Lycksele, a small town in the Lapland region of Sweden came to be an official in the UK’s top league and gave her early impressions.

“I was looking at various job offers in different countries and we narrowed it down in regard to the ice hockey because Joy Johnston is the head of officials here,” Liv said.

“She’s done a great job getting to officiate at the finals in the Winter Olympics from working in the UK then it’s good enough for me.

“I’m definitely enjoying my experience of working in the Elite League so far and there’s always a buzz around the rink and arenas.

“I didn’t expect there to be quite as many fans around the rinks.  It’s a great ambience and the teams are making a great effort on the ice, so it’s been all good so far.

“I couldn’t really decide whether I was wanted to be an architect or an engineer so I took a degree in both and I’m working as a hybrid in both for a company in London.

“I’m definitely one of those people that can’t wait to get back on the ice and for me, it’s like living two lives.

“I do my architectural work during the week then my life changes to ice hockey at the weekend before flipping back again.”

Following from Alice Stanley and Joy Johnston (nee Tottman), Liv announced her arrival to the refereeing team in the league with a photo of her holding her jersey on Twitter.

Unfortunately, the attention this received wasn’t entirely wanted as the more sinister side of social media reared its ugly head.

While a huge majority of messages she received were very positive and extremely supportive, there were comments and even pictures of an inappropriate nature sent to her.

It hasn’t put her off at all and revealed the reaction to her picture with her jersey was not an unfamiliar experience.

She added: “I’m sorry to say getting that sort of attention after I posted my picture is nothing new and it happens all the time.

“Along with my fellow female officials, this is the kind of thing we get quite often and I made a conscious decision to stay off social media for a long time.

“But one day, I decided just to post something and put it out there that this is the reality and people need to know this kind of problem exists.

“The video I did in response was all making the point of how ridiculous this is.  I’m talking about my place of work and whether I’m sexy or not isn’t relevant at all.

“Overall, the support I’ve had has been great and it’s a great community to work in so far.  People maybe don’t see that side of it, but it’s a close-knit group with the other officials.

“You’re in such a vulnerable position on the ice, you really need to be there for each other and it’s been a great support network over here.”

Sportswave wishes her all the best!

It’s not going to be easy so be fair, firm and honest when making the call.