QUICK FIVE: CHL LINESMAN BOBBY COLLIER
Bobby Collier has been a linesmen in the Central Hockey League the past six seasons. The Overland Park, Kan., resident will be on the ice Nov. 13 when the Missouri Mavericks play their home opener against the Wichita Thunder in the new Independence Events Center.
1. As an official, what would you tell novice hockey fans about the home opener? I would tell them to go to the Events Center and just enjoy the game. You will pick up on the different aspects of it as you go to more games. Go and enjoy the athleticism and the speed and strength of the players. Enjoy the flow of the game – it’s a different game when you watch it in person.
2. What is your hockey background? I started playing when I was 5 and headed up the ranks through junior hockey and loved every minute of it. It’s a great sport. Once I stopped playing, I looked into officiating.
3. How did you become a Central Hockey League official? I started working as a youth official. It was a great way to stay in the game and make some extra money. When a CHL team came to Topeka, I contacted the league office and asked about becoming an official and I got the job. I’ve had a wonderful working relationship with the CHL and am really looking forward to the Mavericks opener.
4. Will that game be like your season opener, too? It sure will. I am going to be bringing some family and friends. It’s going to be great to work Mavericks games, because before they came to Independence, I had to travel to Wichita or Oklahoma City. It’s going to be an exciting night for everyone.
5. What are the responsibilities of a linesman? I call the line and conducts faceoffs. The referee has the final say on all decisions out on the ice. There are two linesmen and one referee in the CHL. The NHL has two referees and two linesmen. The linesmen are really an extra set of eyes for the referee.
— Bill Althaus
