By James Clarke
PQ News Sports
Parksville’s amazing kid Shayna Twamley has been selected to officiate girls hockey at the BC Winter Games in Vernon next month.
This will be Shayna’s third consecutive BC Winter Games — she represented Vancouver Island in ringette in 2008 and 2010 — and this time around she will be one of, if not the youngest of the 10 officials selected to work girls hockey.
“I was super-excited,” she laughed when asked how it felt to get the news. “I can’t wait to go again, meet new people ... see some good hockey.”
She said she got the posting when experienced female Nanaimo ref Jamie Scriver called and asked if she would like to do it.
Asked if she feels any pressure heading into the games as an official, Twamley conceded, “it can be stressful but it will be fun. I guess I’m a little bit nervous but more looking forward (to it).”
A student Ballenas Secondary School, Twamley was recognized with an Amazing Kid award in March of 2011.
She also laces up for two teams; the Comox Valley Lightening Midget C girls team and the Oceanside Panthers boys Midget C team.
“It’s an honour to make it to any Winter Games, but to get to be part of three straight, that’s rare. We are super-proud of her,” said Shayna’s mom Sue Street.
Ditto for OMHA referee in chief Chris Herr.
“I am extremely proud of Shayna,” he said. “In just a years time, Shayna has been promoted to referee, earned a full scholarship to referee camp, was chosen to be a referee mentor, and has now been selected to (the games). Quite an accomplishment for a girl who just turned 16 on New Years Eve.”