Falcons give night to referees

The Springfield Falcons, proud members of the American Hockey League, announced they will host their 2nd Annual "Referee Appreciation Night" on March 31 when the Falcons host the Portland Pirates at the MassMutual Center. On this special evening, the second recipient of the "Golden Stripes Award" will be honored prior to the game. The "Golden Stripes Award" will be presented this year to Alfred Pinciak.

Pinciak, who is a native of Chicopee MA, was one of the "Founding Fathers of the Greater Springfield Youth Hockey League serving as the original league president from 1970-1972. Pinciak remained on the board of directors of the GSYHL and also served as the referee chief for the GSYHL starting in 1972 and concluding in 1994.

"It's with tremendous honor that we present this special award to a gentlemen so well deserving," said Falcons Vice President of Business Operations, Bob Oliver. "When the award committee sat down to discuss possible recipients, one name jumped out at them, and it was that of Mr. Pinciak. His devotion to the duties of officiating, the sport of hockey and of community is something that we all strongly admire."

A long-time resident of Chicopee, Pinciak was a member of the Chicopee School System for more than 30 years starting in 1967 and ending in 1998. Pinciak was a teacher at Fairview Memorial School from 1967-1968, before serving as a staff member at Chicopee Comp High School from 1969-1998. Pinciak was also principal at Chicopee Comp from 1994-1998 and served as the Chicopee Comp varsity hockey coach from 1969-1975.

"This is a tremendous honor to be able to receive this special award," said Pinciak. "I took a great deal of pride in officiating hockey games and to have the opportunity to be part of a ceremony that pays homage to the officiating community is a very nice feeling."

The "Golden Stripes Award" will be awarded annually to an On-Ice Official whose work within Western Massachusetts has selflessly demonstrated the essential characteristics of dedication, fairplay, position, attitude and communication skills. This individual has also shown an overwhelming desire to "give back" to the officiating community by volunteering his time off the ice as well, all the while leaving a positive lasting impression on his peers.