L. Butch Bellemore has been named ECAC Men’s Hockey League Supervisor of Officials. Bellemore, a long-time ECAC Officials Observer, begins his duties as Supervisor of Officials immediately.
“I am extremely pleased that Butch has agreed to assume the role of men’s league supervisor,” said ECAC commissioner Steve Hagwell. “His strong leadership qualities, professionalism, commitment to excellence and vast knowledge of the game are immense benefits to the league.
“Butch is very familiar with the league from an officiating standpoint, which will make the transition much smoother. I look forward with great enthusiasm to working with him.”
According to the ECAC, as Supervisor, Bellemore will be responsible for “coordinating efforts of the men’s officiating program, which includes, but is not limited to, improving the quality of officiating; promoting better communication between officials and coaches; evaluating officials and identifying prospective officials; and serving as a liaison in the area of officiating to the NCAA.”
“This is a very exciting time for me. I thank every one involved in making the decision to allow me to be part of a long-standing hockey tradition such as ECAC Hockey,” Bellemore said. “I have a number of goals that I see a need to reach at once, with the first and most important one being able to place the best-qualified team of officials on the ice for every game. I also will be readily available to communicate with coaches, administrators, officials and staff regarding all aspects of officiating.”
Bellemore has served a Supervisor of Officials for the United Hockey League since 2000. As supervisor, he provided “pregame, between period and postgame consultation to officials, coaches and general managers as to rules, rules interpretation, and the officials game management skills; support to the entire officiating staff regarding presence, poise and how to deal with on-ice issues; been responsible for providing concise detailed reports to league officials upon conclusion of all games; and introduced rule interpretations and written policies and procedures to insure continued improvement and quality of officiating professionals.”
Prior to assuming the supervisor of officials position with the UHL, Bellemore spent 14 years (1986-00) as an American Hockey League Evaluator of Officials and Officiating Coach.
Bellemore also was an on-ice official in the AHL from 1970-80.
