Circle K Classic will debut all-female officiating crew at this year's tournament

Circle K Classic debuts all-female officiating The Circle K Classic is just around the corner and this year, there will be something new added--an all-female officiating crew.

Emily Hill has always had a keen interest in hockey.

She started refereeing when she was just 13 years old.

Hill says that part of the sport runs in the family.

"I was a player growing up, and I had both a brother and a dad that were very interesting and passionate about reffing," she said.

"So, as soon as I was old enough, I decided to put the bands on and see how it was."

Making calls at the Circle K

Hill liked that refereeing helped with her skating.

She was also able to stay in the game and get a little extra pocket cash.

Now 25, Hill has already worked some big games, like last year when she officiated the Crowchild Classic between the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.

This year, she will add another big game to her resume.

She's reffing at the Circle K Classic and says she's super excited about it.

"As officials, we get as excited for this tournament as the players do," she said.

"To see your name on the list as a referee is a lot of fun. I was in it last year as a linesman, and the rinks are full. The energy is high and the players are playing their hearts out. It's just great hockey to be a part of."

All-female crew at the Circle K

Hill will ref the round robin game between Calgary's Northwest Flames and Halifax on Dec. 28.

It will be an all-female crew that will officiate that game.

She'll be joined by Julianne Desjardins, Kennedy Roblin and Marissa Stocker.

It's the first time an all-female crew will call a game at the tournament.

"To see four female officials that competed at a high level alongside the guys that work at the same level, I think it's really exciting," Hill said.

"It's a sign of things to come for female hockey in general but specifically female officiating."

Other female officials look up to Hill

Elizabeth Tanguay is also 25 years old and has been officiating for four years.

She says her goal is to also ref in a big game just like Hill.

"I'm hoping in the next two years, with a lot more practise and games and learning from everybody else. (Hill's) definitely one of my bigger inspirations, and I keep telling myself that I'm following right behind her every year," Tanguay said.

Hill says she sees herself in "a bit of a mentorship role."

"I think I have the opportunity with the place that I am to help younger female officials to develop and hopefully get them to the point where they're competing with me for the same spots," she said.

Hill and the all-female crew will officiate the game at 4 p.m. on Dec. 28 at Max Bell One.