Amateur and High School Sports
Moustache month for the Mofficials
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- Category: Amateur
- Created on Wednesday, 23 November 2011 15:26
Saskatchewan Hockey Association officials (from L to R) Troy Murray, Jeremy Gabel and Brent Vandermuelen pose for a picture before a game in November. The Mofficials, a group of 124 referees, are participating in Movember and are raising money for prostate cancer. Photo by Taylor Shire.
by Taylor Shire
Hockey officials donned a different sweater this month – a lip sweater.
As part of Movember, an entire month of moustache-growing fundraising, hockey referees in western Canada and the United States teamed up to become the Mofficials, a group of hockey officials dedicated to raising money for prostate cancer research.
Colby Smith, co-captain of the Mofficials and a Western Hockey League referee, said the Mofficials came to be in 2009, when fellow Mofficial co-captain Justin Hull grew a moustache for Movember.
“It caught on like wildfire and we were simply overwhelmed by the success,” said Smith. “The whole idea of the moustaches is fun, but it's also for a great cause, as it affects everyone, everywhere.”
The Mofficials are having another great year. Last year, after setting a goal of $10,000, they raised more than $15,000, finishing 98th overall in Canada. This year, they set a goal of $20,000, and as of Nov. 23, the fundraising total is up over $23,000. The group is made up of 124 officials and is ranked 27th in the country. And the ‘staches look great.
“The hockey officials’ world is dominated by males and when you consider the staggering number of men who get prostate cancer, we should be doing all we can to help with the research for it,” said Smith.
He said players and coaches are enjoying the new look.
“Most of them are now trying to grow (moustaches) as well and there are some pretty sad displays out there, but good on them for trying,” said Smith. “Most of the coaches have been able to keep a straight face when talking to them.
“The ability to grow a 'mo' puts your manhood out there on your face and tells everyone not to mess with you.”
Smith is happy with how his moustache has turned out.
“The rule is, you don't choose your moustache, your moustache chooses you,” he said. “It's really all about the man behind the moustache and whether or not that man is ready to embrace it, in all its glory.”
The Movember foundation started in 2003 in Australia as a way to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. It caught on in Canada in 2007, and since then, it has increased in popularity each year. Since 2004, the organization has raised more than $174-million worldwide.
In order to become a Mofficial, a person must pledge $50 or raise $200. The Mofficials even have their own line of clothing. Any official who donates $75 is eligible to receive an official Mofficials T-shirt.
Nathan Wieler, assistant captain of the Mofficials, said there was a lot of hype leading up to this year’s moustache month.
“Movember is a chance for us to use what we do to make a difference in something a lot more important than hockey,” said Wieler.
“This cause is very important in terms of enhancing what science can do to find a cure for prostate cancer as well as to raise more awareness.”
Wieler is based in Regina and also referees hockey in the WHL. He said the local support has been excellent.
“On the ice I think it has gotten to the point that you stand out more if you don't have a ‘stache in Movember. There is a mutual respect among all (who) have taken to this cause,” he said.
“We have received much more exposure than we could have hoped for. The entire hockey culture has really taken to this cause which adds to the fun of it.”
Wieler said the moustache helps on the ice. A solid ‘stache garners more respect and presence.
“Players are hesitant to question an official with a stern look and sweat dripping off a well-developed duster,” he said. “It oozes confidence and authority.”