Chris Ciamaga, Former UHL Official Makes NHL Debut

MLN Newswire - LAKE ST. LOUIS, MO--- A former on-ice official in the United Hockey League (UHL) is scheduled to make his debut as an official in the National Hockey League (NHL) this week.  Chris Ciamaga has spent parts of five seasons as an official in the UHL. He made his professional debut in the UHL as a linesman in December 2000.  He then made his professional debut as a referee in the 2001-02 UHL season.
 
Ciamaga was signed by the NHL in August.  He will work full-time in the American Hockey League (AHL) during the 2006-07 season with hopes of earning some assignments in the NHL throughout the year.  He recently attended the NHL officials training camp in Fort Erie, Ontario with all NHL referees and linesmen.
 
“The NHL officials training camp was a great experience,” stated Ciamaga.  “I have known several of the other officials over the years, but being around the rink with everyone was really good.”
 
Ciamaga will get his first opportunity in the NHL on Thursday in Detroit when he takes the ice as an official for the preseason game between the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings.  He will then work the Ottawa Senators vs. Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday in Philadelphia.  He completes the week working the New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals game in Hershey, Pennsylvania on Sunday.
 
The resident of Buffalo, New York has worked several games during his officiating career, but has fond memories of his time in the UHL.  “The rink in Glens Falls, New York is one of my favorite in all of professional hockey,” stated Ciamaga.  “Working a game in the 2005 UHL Finals was also memorable moment because it is the only time I have worked in a professional league finals.”
 
“We are extremely proud of Chris and excited about his new opportunity with the NHL,” stated Richard Brosal, UHL President/CEO.  “He obviously has worked hard to get to this point and we are happy that we could be part of his development as an official. This accomplishment is also a testament to the outstanding job that is done by Brad Jones (UHL VP of Hockey Operations) with officials in our league.”
 
Ciamaga continues to further himself in his career, but has also had some big moments in his personal life with a recent marriage and purchase of a home in the Buffalo area.  “The month of August has been great,” explained Ciamaga.  “I bought a house, got married, and then was hired by the NHL.  I definitely can’t complain.”