Saskatchewan Referees Set to Shine at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
Two Saskatchewan referees, Michelle McKenna from Moose Jaw and Cianna Murray from Cudworth, have been chosen to officiate at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy. They will be refereeing the women's hockey tournament, with the opportunity to work the medal round based on their performance. McKenna and Murray are not only world-class referees but also close friends who have been each other's maid of honour at their weddings. They both have a passion for officiating that started at a young age and have worked hard to reach this level of competition.
McKenna, who now resides in Regina, got into officiating as a teenager and has dedicated herself to improving her skills both on and off the ice. Murray, who grew up in Cudworth, Saskatchewan, followed her brother into hockey and eventually fell in love with refereeing more than playing. This will be Murray's second Olympic Games, having officiated in the COVID-era games in Beijing, China, where she had to adhere to strict isolation and bubble protocols.
In addition to McKenna and Murray, two other Saskatchewan officials, Tarrington Wyonzek from Yorkton and Alex Clarke from Drake, have also been selected to officiate women's hockey at the Winter Games. All four regularly officiate in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. The Winter Games will take place from February 6-22 in northern Italy, and the referees are looking forward to the experience of officiating at such a prestigious event.