Chris­tian Ofner passes first top-tier World Cham­pi­onship in Herning with flying colours

The Villach native can count twelve games at the top-tier World Championship to his credit. Christian Ofner was on the ice for six of them and on standby for a further six. However, as he reveals in the interview, being fully prepared for the game is also required in that role.

He also explains in detail just how intensive the preparations are. From January onwards, there are regular online meetings, while all referees gathered in Stockholm four days before the start of the World Championship and again attended numerous meetings during the day. “They discuss the standard at a top-tier World Championship, what is expected of us, what should and should not be called. And, of course, it was also about getting to know one another.” As team-building activities, the IIHF organised several smaller events, such as a boat trip through Stockholm.

Ofner finally travelled to Herning, his assignment location, on Thursday. “The anticipation that it was finally getting under way was huge. I admit that I was very nervous before the first game. A lot of things were new to me. I had never officiated at a top-tier World Championship before,” Christian Ofner says of how he felt before the tournament began. The nerves disappeared the moment he stepped onto the ice.

What was particularly new for the former VSV player (12 appearances) was the comms system, which not only connected all four referees on the ice, but also allowed the supervisors to listen in and speak. “Around ten people were connected. You could hear someone talking all the time,” said Ofner.

Another adjustment was the pace: “There was a noticeable difference compared with our league. But you get used to it quickly.”

A referee’s routine on a matchday differs little from that of the players. If they have the lunchtime game, they head straight to the arena after breakfast. For an afternoon or evening game, there is a short training session in the morning involving cycling and stretching. After lunch, there is a power nap before the bus takes them to the stadium.

At the arena, they meet with the supervisors once again, go through the upcoming game and discuss what to watch out for, including whether there may be players who require particular attention. An initial analysis takes place immediately after the game, while all referees also come together for a group meeting every three days. 

Christian Ofner spent three weeks at the World Championship. As he says himself, it was an enormously valuable time, as he was able to exchange ideas with referees from all over the world in addition to the games. At the same time, the 31-year-old admits that he is now ready for a holiday. “It’s time to get away from ice hockey for a while,” he reveals with a smile.