Take 5 with… Katherine L’Heureux, On-Ice Official

Take 5 minutes to get to know our officials supervisors, on-ice officials, shot clock operators, and more.

 

Katherine L’Heureux (Longueuil, QC) is preparing for her first Canadian Ringette Championship as an on-ice official. Last year, she attended the event as a Shot Clock Operator. Learn more about how she got started as an Official when she was 16, and her journey to the ice at the CRCs! 

 

Where did your officiating journey begin?

I began officiating at the age of 16, initially as a way to earn some money while staying on the ice. Over time, officiating became much more than just a student job.

When I returned to officiating later on, it gave me valuable time for myself, away from daily responsibilities, while allowing me to reconnect with friends and stay physically active.

I chose to become an official because I enjoy taking on new challenges and meeting people who share the same passion for ringette. This journey has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

 

What does your role look like during a game? What sort of pre- and post-game preparation do you do?

During the game, my role is to ensure that play is fair and equitable. When officiating younger players, I take the time to explain what is happening and the reasons behind my decisions when I stop the play.

In preparation for a game, I enjoy connecting with other officials and helping create a positive atmosphere. I also make sure my skates are properly warmed up and, more recently, I have added a physical warm-up so that I am ready from the very first whistle.

After the game, I appreciate discussing how the match went with my partner, taking time to decompress, and calmly reviewing the game before heading home.

What do you find most rewarding about officiating?

What I find most rewarding about being an official is the sense of belonging to a large family and the pride of contributing to a sport that I truly love. Each game is a challenge, but also an opportunity to grow, learn, and share unique moments with passionate colleagues.

It is this combination of personal growth, passion, and human connections that makes officiating so fulfilling.

 

What has been your most memorable experience?

It is difficult to choose just one experience, as many tournaments have been meaningful throughout my journey. However, the Eastern Championships stand out as a particularly memorable moment for me. It was the first time I participated in an event of that scale and also the first time I officiated outside of Quebec.

This event marked the beginning of strong friendships with officials from other provinces and allowed me to discover a new dimension of officiating.

Since then, I have had the opportunity to take part in other equally enriching experiences, including the Esso Golden Ring tournament on two occasions and the Saskatoon tournament.

In the summer of 2025, I also attended the Camp de la relève, which was a very meaningful experience that helped me further develop my physical and mental preparation, improve my skating skills, and engage in valuable discussions about game vision with high-level officials.

Each of these events represents much more than just games — they are opportunities to meet new colleagues, build lasting connections, and officiate exciting, high-level games. These experiences have greatly contributed to my growth as an official and remain some of the most meaningful memories of my officiating career.

 

What advice would you give to a new official, or someone thinking of becoming one?

It is important to take the role of an official seriously and to fully commit to officiating. No game should be overlooked, regardless of the level, as every match is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Take the time to exchange with more experienced officials; they are a valuable source of knowledge, real-life situations, and practical advice.

Finally, self-confidence is essential. Allow yourself to make mistakes, learn from your experiences, and continue moving forward with openness and passion.

What are you most looking forward to at the 2026 Canadian Ringette Championships?

What I look forward to most at the 2026 Canadian Ringette Championships is experiencing a high-level event surrounded by passionate officials from across the country. I am excited to reconnect with this great “zebra family” that shares the same passion — to exchange, laugh, and learn together.

I look forward to challenging myself, continuing to grow alongside experienced colleagues, and contributing to the success of such a prestigious event for our sport. The discussions in the officials’ rooms will be an opportunity for me to question my perspective of the game and further develop professionally.

This is a unique opportunity to grow as an official and to celebrate ringette at its highest level.