Two father-son duos to share special refereeing experience

By Lethbridge Herald on January 28, 2025.

Herald Sports by Justin Seward From left, Ryan Woods, Brent Woods, Gabe and Ty Mabin will be the first four-man father-son crew to referee an elite hockey game in the South zone this weekend.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Two father-son duos are set to share a memorable game experience as referees this weekend.

Brent Woods and his son Ryan as well as Gabe Mabin and his son Ty will all work the Lethbridge Lightning senior hockey game in what is the first four-man system by fathers and their sons in the South Zone for elite hockey.

“You (have) got to be a fairly elite referee to do that and to have your kids get to that level, they’ve worked hard to get there” said Brent.

“I know both Gabe and I are proud that they’re able to do it.”

Brent thinks the experience will be fun.

“It’ll be a lot of fun working with not only Ryan but a good buddy of mine Gabe, and I really enjoy working with Ty as well, he’s developed as a pretty good young referee,” said Brent.

One of the reasons Brent kept with refereeing is because of Ryan.

“I thought well if he wants to do it and he’s eager to do it, then I’m going to keep refereeing,” said Brent.

“So I can help them, I can help him learn (and) help him manage situations on the ice when we’re working together.”

Brent has noticed the development in Ryan.

“He’s a pretty good referee and I get compliments quite often from different coaches and different people saying I really love when your boy refs, so that makes me happy,” said Brent.

For Ryan, the opportunity is a cool one for him to experience because he’s known and refereed with the Mabins for a while.

“We all have good chemistry together,” said Ryan.

“So I feel like we work well together on the ice and off the ice. So that will just help us when we’re out there Saturday.”

Ryan has learned a lot from his dad.

“He’s been more of a rulebook than the actual rulebook to me,” said Ryan.

“So whenever I have any questions or anything after I comeback from a weekend of refing, I’m always asking him.”

“When Ty decided to start refereeing it was kind of a good proud dad moment,” said Gabe.

“I don’t want to admit that he’s gotten better than me, but it’s starting to happen already that he’s starting to surpass his old man.”

Gabe thinks Ty has had confidence on and off the ice.

 “That’s kind of helped him in his refing career,” said Gabe.

“I’m obviously there all the time giving him tips. Sometimes he doesn’t want to listen to his dad but guys like Brent ,obviously have been around … helping Ty out.”

Ty has refereed with the Woods and his dad since he started.

“We never really go to do it together, so it’s a cool experience,” said Ty.

Ty spoke about what he will cherish this weekend.

“Live in the moment, enjoy these guys and enjoy my dad’s time while I have it,” said Ty.

Ty has learned from Gabe to how not to let a game escalate in terms of not being bossed around by players and coaches.

The game being officiated by the four  is between the Lethbridge Lightning and Cremona Coyotes on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena.