After an emotional hockey game on February 8th against Cloquet, linesman Adam Daniels shares his insight into the game as the referee on the ice. Daniels unfolds what goes through his mind through a post-game interview including some controversial questions.
In order to truly get insight into the mind of the ref, Adam Daniels releases his history with the sport. When Daniels was a kid, he was involved in hockey himself. Growing up, Daniels found himself consumed with hockey until high school graduation. Daniels played left wing for the Hastings Raiders team from 1994 to 1997 during his high school years. More specifically, Adam Daniels was on the varsity team of the Raiders from years 1996 to 1997, revealing his dedication for his sport at a young age. Even after his years of playing hockey as a kid, Daniels continued to play hockey as an adult through a local men’s league and becoming a certified ref.
Daniels has lived in Sartell for nearly a decade and found himself devoted to Sartell Youth Hockey in various ways. Daniels has three out of four children, Abby Daniels (Sartell alumni class of 2021), Nolan Daniels, and Sully Daniels, who have been involved in Sartell hockey. His three kids look up to his passion for sport and follow in his footsteps by being as dedicated as he is.
During his first year living in Sartell, Daniels coached the Storm’n Sabres U15 team from 2015 to 2016. More recently, Daniels has been one of the coaches for the 2023 to 2024 Sartell Youth Hockey PeeWee’s team. Daniels has been extremely involved in Sartell Youth hockey as a parent, a coach, and a ref for many years.
Not only does this interview reveal some frequently asked questions, but also dire questions regarding his role in Sartell Youth Hockey. With all the parts that Daniels plays in the local hockey community, it was intriguing to see his insight and whether his roles collide with one another. Daniels has been on many sides of the sport of hockey. While pursuing a role as a coach and a ref, Daniels offers a look into a well-known sport that not many people have.
Daniels shares his experience, knowledge, and perspectives of the game that are visible through this conducted interview.
Interview Questions:
Hailey: How long have you been a ref for?
Hailey: What made you want to be a ref for this specific sport?
Hailey: To you, what is the hardest part of the job?
Hailey: What goes through your mind when an upset crowd reacts to one of your calls?
Hailey: What is the most upsetting call you’ve had to make during a game?
Hailey: With being a Sartell hockey coach, how has your perspective of the game changed by becoming a ref?
Hailey: What was the process to becoming a certified ref look like?
Hailey: Are there any kind of game or age group you like to ref the most?
Hailey: Is it troubling to ref with an unbiased opinion, especially when reffing one of your favorite teams?
Hailey: What has been your favorite game you have ever refed?
This video features Adam Daniels, center ice, reffing the exciting Sartell v. Cloquet hockey game on February 8th. As the game goes on, Daniels’ focus and dedication to a fair game can be seen by audience members.
