Carl Poole, a veteran referee and supervisor with the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League and the BC Hockey League, has been appointed Director of Player Safety for the 11-team VIJHL, effective immediately.
“We are very pleased to have Carl come on board as our Director of Player Safety,” says VIJHL Board Chair Shawn Vincent. “Carl has an excellent reputation and will be a great asset to our referees and linesmen and players, as the VIJHL continues its dedication to player safety and officiating.”
Carl, who lives in Port Alberni with his wife Nicole and two daughters, is well respected in Vancouver Island hockey circles, serving as Supervisor for the BCHL from 2022-2024, and for the VIJHL from 2021-2023. Carl is a Level 5 official who refereed in the VIJHL (1997-2000), BCHL (1997-2014) and the Western Hockey League (2006-2010).
As he is familiar with the inner workings of the BCHL, the VIJHL Executive believes his strong relationships within their league office will help make a smooth transition for the VIJHL in its first year as an Independent Junior League, in alliance with the BCHL.
“The VIJHL is renowned for its commitment to player safety,” says Carl. “I believe this alliance with the BCHL opens up new doors of opportunities for our officials to learn and be mentored in hopes of furthering their careers in the future.”
A high school Vice Principal, Carl holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Master of Arts in Leadership and Administration.
Any official interested in working in the VIJHL can contact Carl Poole at cpoole27@yahoo.com