The NCHC announced Tuesday the creation of the Mark Rudolph Officiating Achievement Award, which will recognize one official each season starting with the 2014-15 season.
The award will honor a member of the NCHC officiating staff (referee, linesman or supervisor) who, through his actions, commitment, dedication, leadership and professionalism, “has achieved a distinguished accomplishment that has significantly enhanced the NCHC and its officiating program both on and off the ice,” according to a league-issued press release.
“It is an honor for the conference office to use Mark’s name in recognizing someone annually from our officiating staff,” said NCHC commissioner Josh Fenton in a statement. “It is certainly fitting for someone who has impacted several levels of hockey, including the NCAA for many years. Our conference office takes a tremendous amount of pride in our officiating program and this award is a reflection of our commitment to recognize one of the best on an annual basis.”
Rudolph is a long-time official and distinguished administrator who resides in Colorado Springs, Colo., and pioneered the development of USA Hockey’s national officiating program. He also worked NCAA Division I games for more than 10 seasons.
