How many youngsters involved in sports actually know what their end goal will be and how many actually achieve that level of success?

One such individual is Jay Sharrers who grew up in Hope BC, east of Chilliwack in the Fraser Valley who was forced to travel to Chilliwack to referee hockey games that would fit his level of the game.

Jay’s Father (now deceased) Dan was Black and working for the Jamaican Government who went to England for a course at Oxford University and while on his way home he met Barbara who was from Vancouver and was travelling with a Friend.

Barbara was White and regardless of race, they fell in love and somehow managed to carry on the romance over the following five years that saw him (Dan) emigrate from Jamaica that saw them get married and settle in Hope BC.

Dan worked for the City and Barbara stayed home raising her two Sons and when Jay eventually told his Parents he wanted to be a hockey official, you can imagine the questions.

Thanks to his Father who played chauffeur on a regular basis Jay was driven to Chilliwack to officiate at a higher level of the game and as a youngster he knew where he would end up.

He played hockey as a youngster, but soon turned his playing day’s to take up the art of officiating or refing games.

His career quickly blossomed into one that was quickly moving him up the ranks along with the likes of Delta’s Brad Lazarowich – who also had a focus or drive.

Jay was quickly advanced up in his officiating level of the game that would see him officiate the Memorial Cup, the World Junior’s and eventually on to minor pro.

At the young age of 22 Jay took to the ice at the famed Boston Gardens October 6th, 1990 to become the first Black NHL Official, but this one was between the Nordiques and the Bruins, so you can imagine what everything was thinking?

To think he was on the same ice as his idol Guy LaFleur it was a shock to say the least, but his focus never strayed from his duties.

You can only imagine the abuse he was faced with given the tensions during that time period, but he never let it bother him as he mentioned that “his Parents had instilled a sense of confidence that prepared him and his Brother to face racism or criticism.”

Jay did mention to me a while back “For those first couple of years being young and making the jump as quickly as I did I really had to focus on not being star-struck by the guys I was on the ice with as you had to try to not be a spectator and remember you were there to do your job.”

He has worked more than 1,600 regular-season games, nearly 200 playoff games as well as seven Stanley Cup Finals, he has the respect from everyone in the game.

Stay Tuned For Part 2 February 20th