Alex Clarke named first female linesperson in WHL history

By Medicine Hat News on September 25, 2021.

sports@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The Western Hockey League announced that Alex Clarke became the first female linesperson in WHL and Canadian Hockey League history when she took to the ice Friday for the WHL pre-season game between the Regina Pats and Moose Jaw Warriors.

Clarke, a native of Weyburn, Sask., is set to become a member of the WHL officiating team for the 2021-22 season after officiating at the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Calgary, Alta.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to join the WHL as a linesperson,” Clarke said in a release. “I have been working towards this for several years now and I believe my development has reached the level required to perform in the WHL. I’m looking forward to the challenges and growth the WHL will bring to my officiating journey, and I’m excited about the potential for other female officials to enjoy similar opportunities in high-level male hockey.”

“On behalf of the WHL and all our member Clubs, we wish to extend a warm welcome to Alex Clarke as she joins our WHL Officiating program,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “Alex has proven herself to be a world-class linesperson and we look forward to her continuing her development as an official in the WHL.”

The 28-year-old Clarke boasts extensive international experience, having been assigned to the 2020 IIHF Women’s World Championship, 2019 IIHF Women’s World Championship (Division 1, Group B), 2018 Four Nations Cup, and 2018 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship (Division II, Group B).

Clarke’s first official assignment in the WHL was Friday night at Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw, with the Warriors welcoming the Regina Pats.