News

Name: Bobby O’Handley
Town: Glace Bay, NS.

Background:
I grew up in number 11 and went to St.Anthony’s School. Upon graduating from St.Mike’s High in 1982, I went to Holland College in PEI, to become a youth worker. I had a keen interest in working with youth since I started volunteering with the Police Boys Club in Passchendale during the late 1970’s. In the late 1980’s I started work at the now defunct Shelburne School for Boys, before moving back to Cape Breton in 1988 to begin employment with the Children’s Aid Society, as a youth worker. I completed my BACS from CBU and my BSW from Dalhousie and I am the current manager of a Child Welfare Residential facility in Sydney working for the Dept of Community Services. I am married to the former Mairi MacLean from Sydney Mines and we have two children Brody age 6 and Rowan age 2.

Past involvement with hockey:
I did not play minor hockey growing up. My mother was a single-parent and all my hockey was played on “Leblanc’s Pond” at the time a recreation landmark, which sits at the corner of Dominion Street and Highland Street. I did enjoy skating on Friday nights at the old Miners Forum and again on Saturday’s when it was open to the teenagers… I did play for years in the Glace Bay Commercial League which ran in Glace Bay and Dominion.

Current involvement in hockey:
I started officiating close to 20 years ago under then, Referee-In-Chief, Brian (Boogie) Cuzner. I have been the RIC for GBMH for over 13 years now. I have been very fortunate to meet all kinds of terrific young men and women during my tenure as referee-in-chief over the years and this is something that I value very much. I also enjoy meeting and chatting with the parents of my officials and have maintained those friendships over time. For the past three years I have also been on the ice with the Tots Program. On a personal note, I try to get out and play 3 times a week and I still enjoy officiating when I get the opportunity. Concurrent to my commitment for the GBMH program, I am the RIC for the Vince Ryan Memorial Adult Hockey Tournament and which is something I look forward to every March.

Best hockey moment:
I would have to say watching my Blackhawks defeat the Bruins this past year (2013) ranks right up there. Although this was the second time the Hawks won the cup in the past 4 years, this series was hard fought and in doubt till the end. Several weeks ago my family went to Chicago for the first time and through a friend of mine, my son (Brody) and I were able to not only watch two home games during our visit, but while there we received a cherished opportunity to visit Hawks dressing room after one of the games!. As you can see in my profile picture, meeting Patrick Kane was an “extra special moment”. I hope to make this trip an annual affair!

Favorite hockey Team:
Who else, but the defending Stanley Cup Champion - Chicago Black Hawks! Die hard, Hawk fan….

Favorite hockey Player:
I have quite a few of them on the Hawks, but Patrick Kane ranks right up there! In addition to getting the opportunity to meet Patrick he presented me with one of his sticks as a “keepsake”, when I met him a few weeks ago. Tony Esposito was my idle when growing up…

Pet Peeve in hockey:
Being an official I see and hear all sorts of nasty comments being hurled towards officials, players, coaches etc. In my view, a coach needs to “instill a code of conduct for his players and model himself from behind the bench”. “Fans should be able to cheer for their team”, but in no way scream and yell at just anyone, who is on the ice. “Let’s have fun playing the game, however if you find the game to be too stressful where you feel compelled to scream at people, then it’s probably best for you to stay at home”!

Outside hockey interests
I have been the organist at St.Anthony’s Parish in number 11 for over 25 years. I enjoy music and learned how to read and play from Mario Colosimo many years ago. I have been pursuing my interest in the fiddle and accordion and I try to find the time to practice as much as possible. Irish folk music is what I enjoy most, but I do appreciate most musical styles, with the exception being heavy metal. My wife and I love to travel and we visit various parts of the US a few times a year. Florida in March, is our favorite destination. I enjoy reading and documentaries on television and there is nothing better than “listening to a good story teller share a joke”!

GBMHA - Extends a "Thank You" to Bobby O'Handley our long-time Referee-in-Chief for taking the lead in developing our on-ice officials.