Michelle McKenna
Michelle McKenna | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1990 (age 35–36)[1] |
| Alma mater | University of Saskatchewan[3] |
| Occupation | Ice hockey referee |
Michelle McKenna (née Stapleton; born 1990) is a Canadian ice hockey referee who has officiated in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) and at International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) events.[4][5] She was selected to referee the women's tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics.[6]
Personal life and education
McKenna grew up in Moose Jaw.[7] She attended the University of Saskatchewan, earning an engineering degree in 2013, and later worked for PCL Construction in Saskatchewan.[3] She is married and has a daughter.[8]
Ice hockey officiating career
McKenna began officiating as a teenager, following her brother into refereeing.[7] She later earned a Hockey Canada Level V officiating certification (the highest domestic certification level), and was among a small number of women in Canada to hold that designation at the time.[7]
International and professional assignments
McKenna joined the IIHF pool of officials in 2017.[8] Her IIHF assignments have included the 2022 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship, including the gold-medal game, and her first senior IIHF tournament at the IIHF Women's World Championship in the Czech Republic.[5]
McKenna has officiated in the Professional Women's Hockey League and was named to the league's 2025–26 officiating roster, wearing uniform #10.[4] She was selected by the IIHF to referee the women's ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics.[6][5][4]
References
- ^ "International referees & linesmen". International Ice Hockey Federation. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ^ "Michelle McKenna". Olympedia. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ^ a b "From USask to the Olympics and Paralympics". University of Saskatchewan. February 5, 2026. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ^ a b c "PWHL announces officiating leadership department and team, rule changes for 2025–26 season". Professional Women's Hockey League. November 14, 2025. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ^ a b c "Selecting officials to Women's Olympic Winter Games". International Ice Hockey Federation. August 17, 2025. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ^ a b Coulter, Shannon (August 12, 2025). "Officials named for 2026 Olympic Winter Games". Hockey Canada. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ^ a b c "Michelle Stapleton was late to playing hockey, but she's been ahead of the game for years". Hockey Canada. April 22, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ^ a b "SJHL's McKenna ready for first Olympics". Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 15, 2026.