He remembers spending time at the rink watching his dad officiate games.
As Derian Penziwol transitioned from player to spectator, he felt a tug to remain in the game he loved while navigating university life. His father, seeing his passion, suggested becoming an official—a role that would keep him connected to the sport. Little did Derian know, this simple piece of advice would set him on an unforgettable journey, intertwining his academic pursuits with the exhilarating world of officiating. The rest, as they say, is history.
Derian took the necessary steps toward becoming an official and had the chance to share the ice with his dad as a part of the officiating crew on multiple occasions.
"I always remember going to watch him as a kid and it's something that stuck with me," said Penziwol. "It was special to share the ice with him."
Derian, who lived in Dauphin from 2021 to halfway through 2022, was committed to making a name for himself with the stripes on. As is the case with anything, things weren't always easy for Derian and there were growing pains along the way but he knew that hard work and dedication could result in achieving his goals.
Derian's days as an official took the next step when he worked his first Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) game on December 19, 2014, when Waywayseecappo hosted the then OCN Blizzard at the Arena Complex.
He served as a linesman for the game and remembers it as if it were yesterday.
"I kind of lucked out because they had a last-minute back out and I got a call asking if I could work the game," said Penziwol. "I worked that game with Wyatt Rapsky, it was a pretty special moment and it felt great to be on the ice at the next level."
Less than three years after his debut in the MJHL as a linesperson, he made his debut as a referee on September 8, 2017. Continuing to make a name for himself, Derian's list of accomplishments includes participating in the Officials Program of Excellence (OPOE) in October 2019 in Abbotsford, BC, and a Western Hockey League (WHL) exposure camp in June 2022.
One of Derian's favourite moments is working alongside fellow officials with whom he has become very close.
"The time you get to spend with the guys on the road, it's a brotherhood," continued Penziwol. "They become some of your closest friends. We spend a lot of time driving around the province to officiate games so we all get to know one another very well."
After a remarkable decade officiating hundreds of games in Manitoba's top junior league, Penziwol took to the ice for the last time on October 27. Before the Dauphin Kings faced off against the Winkler Flyers, Derian made the heartfelt announcement of his retirement, eager to dedicate more time to his wife and their newborn son. It was a bittersweet farewell, marking the end of an era but the beginning of a new, exciting chapter in his life.
He worked his final game alongside Karlin Kreiger, Nick Bourgeois and Rikki Alston.
"We as a group spent a fair amount of time officiating at different stages of our lives, so it was great to be on the ice with them once more," said Penziwol. "My newborn son was at the game as well which was incredibly special, we took some family photos. My last game is my favourite because my son was there."
Though his days on the officiating field are behind him, Derian is eager to explore new avenues that will keep him connected to the game he loves. For now, however, his focus is on soaking up quality time with his family in Brandon, cherishing every moment before diving back into the sport.
He’ll also be keeping a close eye on Jake Penrose, the rising star from Dauphin who recently made his MJHL officiating debut as a referee. Derian is particularly proud of Jake, having taken him under his wing a few years back. He knows that Penrose has a bright future ahead, and he can’t help but feel a sense of pride in the young referee’s accomplishments. Watching Jake flourish is sure to bring a smile to his face.
"It's really cool to see the time and effort that he has put into becoming an elite official," ended Penziwol. "He is always looking to grow and gain knowledge. He puts in the work and he wants to be good. He is everything that the officiating community could use right now."
