“The game has changed – it’s faster, more skilled, and more intense,” Stratton started. “The players have changed – they are stronger and faster. And so, our officials have also changed – they have adapted to the game in their standard of work (the way they call and interpret the game), their own physicality, their strength, and, most importantly, their mental resilience for the intensity and expectations at the highest level.”
“This doesn’t happen over night. They all have put in the work. On ice is one thing, but off ice is another – bettering themselves in the gym, from a physical standard. But off the ice and continuing to push themselves to self-assess and make adaptations. They have such a high level of emotional intelligence. Think about it – they are able to read, react and make decisions in split seconds in an incredibly high-stakes game and timeframe. People often don’t recognize or understand that.”
For Stratton, too, her group has also had to adjust and improve. “How we coach our officials is also different,” she concurred. “It has gone from a directive philosophy to a more collaborative and dialogue-focused approach. We have found way more productivity in that lane with our officials, which is leading to generally higher success and engagement within our group. We look for officials who are not only good on ice but good people off ice, people who give back to the game at home and help develop younger officials. Most of them have full-time jobs, balancing families and other priorities. Having these multi-faceted experiences means they are able to draw boundaries to achieve their goals. It is quite amazing when you think of it!”
Milano Cortina also represents a full-circle moment for Stratton herself. Her dad was an official at the pro and top junior level, and after playing in university she became a linesperson. She worked the 2013 and 2015 WW18 and the 2016 Women’s Worlds, earning a bronze-medal assignment at all three events. But she was one of the last cuts for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, and it hurt. She took time away but several years later was asked to return, as a coach. She couldn’t be happier.
“I think I have really found my niche,” she enthused. “I love coaching officials and working with them in this capacity. Being able to guide them through various situations and build some great relationships is where I was meant to thrive. So, it’s a bit of redemption to go to the Olympics now, in a different capacity. It’s a nice feeling. We have such a special group. I can’t wait for February!”
IIHF Women Officials nominated for Milano Cortina 2026
Referees
“This doesn’t happen over night. They all have put in the work. On ice is one thing, but off ice is another – bettering themselves in the gym, from a physical standard. But off the ice and continuing to push themselves to self-assess and make adaptations. They have such a high level of emotional intelligence. Think about it – they are able to read, react and make decisions in split seconds in an incredibly high-stakes game and timeframe. People often don’t recognize or understand that.”
For Stratton, too, her group has also had to adjust and improve. “How we coach our officials is also different,” she concurred. “It has gone from a directive philosophy to a more collaborative and dialogue-focused approach. We have found way more productivity in that lane with our officials, which is leading to generally higher success and engagement within our group. We look for officials who are not only good on ice but good people off ice, people who give back to the game at home and help develop younger officials. Most of them have full-time jobs, balancing families and other priorities. Having these multi-faceted experiences means they are able to draw boundaries to achieve their goals. It is quite amazing when you think of it!”
Milano Cortina also represents a full-circle moment for Stratton herself. Her dad was an official at the pro and top junior level, and after playing in university she became a linesperson. She worked the 2013 and 2015 WW18 and the 2016 Women’s Worlds, earning a bronze-medal assignment at all three events. But she was one of the last cuts for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, and it hurt. She took time away but several years later was asked to return, as a coach. She couldn’t be happier.
“I think I have really found my niche,” she enthused. “I love coaching officials and working with them in this capacity. Being able to guide them through various situations and build some great relationships is where I was meant to thrive. So, it’s a bit of redemption to go to the Olympics now, in a different capacity. It’s a nice feeling. We have such a special group. I can’t wait for February!”
IIHF Women Officials nominated for Milano Cortina 2026
Referees
- Kelly Cooke, USA
- Melissa Doyle, USA
- Ida Henriksson, SWE
- Samatha Hiller, USA
- Julia Kainberger, AUT
- Cianna Lieffers, CAN
- Elizabeth Mantha, CAN
- Michelle McKenna, CAN
- Shauna Neary, CAN
- Annina Nurmi, FIN
- Zuzana Svoboda, CZE
- Amanada Tassoni, USA
Linespersons
- Sarah Buckner, USA
- Jennifer Cameron, USA
- Alexandra Clarke, CAN
- Laura Gutauskas, CAN
- Kristyna Hajkova, CZE
- Jessica Lundgren, SWE
- Tiina Saarimaki, FIN
- Justine Todd, CAN
- Kirsten Welsh, USA
- Erin Zach, CAN