Joe Sewell enjoying challenge of Elite League officiating

Photo: Dean Woolley

On Wednesday 20 November, a little bit of Premier Sports Elite League history was made. Not only did Joe Sewell officiate his first ever game in the UK's top flight, but it was also the first match in the league to be refereed by two brothers with Joe alongside Liam.

"I enjoyed every minute of doing my first Elite League game, and to work it with my brother was an absolute privilege," began Joe, who has officiated two EIHL games this season so far. "It was the first game we've ever done together at any level and to be on the ice with him, with everything he's done in his officiating career so far, was a real privilege."

Sewell has worked games in the NIHL after first doing a referee course at the age of 16. "In the beginning, I wasn't sure if I should get into officiating, but I decided to do it and have loved every minute of it since," he explained. "I started out doing rec games, moving into the NIHL and Women's leagues as I got more experienced, and it's been a lot of fun.

"The higher up you gom the more commitment officiating involves. Now being in the Elite League we're part of weekly sessions where we go through calls from different games across the league to discuss and make sure we're working towards that same standard. It's a great learning experience for me to hear what some of our most experienced referees and linesmen have to say."

Although his first game in the EIHL is memorable, he's also never forgotten his first game at senior level. "My first game in the NIHL North was in Blackburn on an air the bear night," he recalled. "They'd really packed the building out, and of course as soon as the first goal went in, all of the teddybears started raining down on the ice. It was quite an experience to be out there for!"

Sewell concluded: "If any younger players are thinking of going into officiating, I would wholeheartedly tell them to do it! I'm really enjoying what I'm doing and would encourage anyone who wants to get involved to do so!"