What an amazing conversation from the other side of the game!Unfortunately referees are generally overlooked, underappreciated, or completely disrespected.  Retention rates of young officials are down because the environment our arenas create for them are less than hospitable.Tom Kowal tells his story on this episode: his journey from minor hockey to the WHL, the AHL and then the 20 year career in the NHL. Tom is now responsible for developing the young referees in the WHL.This interview was an adventure for me. Tom peeled back the curtain on what it's like to wear the black and white stripes. Tom Kowal provides some insight into what it is like being a referee and how he handled coaches, players and parents who were always hyper critical of them.Enjoy some awesome stories from Ex- NHL referee, Tom Kowal.