Former Somerville High Hockey All-Star Cam Lynch is now making a name for himself as a Division 1 Collegiate Hockey official. - Photo courtesy of www.actionphotos.com

By Mike Rubin

Not long ago, Cam Lynch emerged as one of the finest hockey players to ever don the Somerville High School boys hockey sweater.

Now two years after graduation from Somerville High School, Lynch continues to etch his name out on the ice, this time as a college hockey official.

Currently Lynch, 20, has officiated handful of NCAA Division 1 Women’s Ice Hockey games for the East Coast Athletic Conference.

“At first it was kind of a bit intimidating,” said Lynch, who still resides in Somerville. “Here I was, a 20-year old kid, officiating college hockey games with women that are probably older than I am, but after a while, you get used to it and I don’t even think about it. It’s an incredible rush to be a part of the big stage and to be skating in front of several thousand people.”

A lifelong Somerville native, Lynch’s passion for the sport developed at the age of three when he would watch family members compete at both the high school and collegiate levels.

“I remember seeing my cousin and my dad skate around and play in leagues,” said Lynch. “I just knew that playing hockey was just something I always wanted to do. As soon as I started walking, I was anxious to pick up some skates and hit the ice.”

Only three years old, Lynch’s family enrolled him in a Learn to Skate Program, where he slowly developed into a budding prospect. Following intense practices with family and fellow friends, Lynch participated in the city’s youth hockey program, where he slowly emerged through the ranks and developed into a solid forward.

After completing his middle school years, Lynch was faced with a decision to venture off to preparatory and private schools. Following days of agonizing uncertainty, Lynch decided to continue his high school education at Somerville High, a move he hasn’t regretted one bit.

“It was tough because I had some offers from other local schools to play hockey,” said Lynch. “I probably could’ve played at either Matignon or Malden Catholic, but I decided to stay here at Somerville and be with all the friends I grew up and played hockey with. I’m happy I decided to stay here at Somerville, and I never really thought twice about it.”

Following graduation, Lynch decided to venture into the world of officiating. With the assistance of long time Greater Boston League official Ed Trant.

“I always wanted to play hockey at the next level, but when that didn’t work out, I thought about becoming an official,” said Lynch. “(Trant) really guided me in the right direction.”

During the summer of 2009, Lynch officiated in organized summer leagues, before being assigned to a variety of games year round.

In his first full year of officiating, Lynch journeyed throughout Eastern Massachusetts, officiating over 50 games while gaining some valuable experience on and off the ice.

“It was definitely a learning experience for me,” said Lynch about officiating. “The key is that you can’t take anything personal and you have to shake it off. You just go out there, and do the best you can do. I feel like every game, I’m more comfortable on the ice as an official.”

After finishing a full season of officiating at the Eastern Junior Hockey League level, Lynch, at the recommendation of Gene Binda , who serves as the Atlantic Hockey Association supervisor of officials, quickly advanced into officiating collegiate hockey games.

After passing two exams, a 100 open book question, and a 50 book closed question exam, Lynch was officially licensed as a collegiate official.

“The test was challenging, but I was prepared for it,’’ said Lynch. “I put a lot of hours into studying, and in the end, it was definitely worth it.”

Only days after officially becoming certified as a collegiate official, Lynch was handed his first assignment by Stewart, a seven and a half hour drive to St. Lawrence University in Hamilton, New York, where he along with a group of three other officials, refereed a pair of women’s hockey games.

Despite the long journey, for Lynch, the experience is all more than worthwhile.

“As soon as I got the call, I jumped at the opportunity,” said Lynch. “The thing that makes it a lot easier is that we all (four officials) all carpool and go together to the games. It’s a great bonding experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The guys I work with have a lot of experience, and I’ve definitely learned so much in such a short amount of time.”

Lynch has already officiated close to 20 hockey games, and is the youngest official to be in the regular roster rotation.

“I didn’t know how many games I was going to officiate this year,” said Lynch. “I thought I was going to do about three, maybe four games, but so far I’ve been busy every weekend. I’ve been pretty much everywhere throughout New England and the Northeast.”

According to Lynch, a Division 1 women’s collegiate official earns approximately $180 per game along with mileage and travel expenses. An official is also allowed a per diem rate as well.

“For most of us, it’s a second job,” said Lynch about officiating. “I do it because I love the game of hockey, and I always wanted to continue hockey at some level. (Officials) are like the third team out on the ice.”

While Lynch has already heard his earful of arguments from coaches and players, he’s also learned how to deal with escalating situations on the ice.

“You can’t get caught up in it,” said Lynch. “We all realize that for these Division 1 coaches, it’s their livelihood, and if they don’t win, then their jobs are on the line. These coaches are under a lot of pressure, so you just have to let them say what they have to say, air things out and move on.”

Following every game, Lynch, along with other officials are provided feedback from supervisors as well as Stewart, who serves as the director of officials for the ECAC.

Not only does Lynch officiate in the ECAC, but also at the high school level in various leagues. Currently, he’s on the roster for the Independent School League as well as the Northeastern Conference. He also assists in officiating Somerville High School junior varsity games.

“It’s fun to ref high school games, and you want to stay on top of your game as often as possible,” said Lynch. “It’s also great to stay in touch with the Somerville Hockey program and they’ve done a great job with coach (Chuck Allen).”

As for future aspirations, Lynch is hopeful to officiate in post season tournament games as well as some Division 1 men’s ice hockey games. Long term goals include possibly pursuing a career at the professional level either at the East Coast Hockey League, American Hockey League or the National Hockey League.

“I’m just taking things day by day right now,” said Lynch. “I’m the youngest guy on the roster, and so far, I’ve had nothing but great experiences being an official. It’s definitely a lot of fun being a part of college hockey, and hopefully I’ll get a chance to officiate some men’s games down the road or even the Beanpot.”

After traveling to Union College in Upstate New York on Friday, Lynch will venture up to Dartmouth College on Saturday before returning home on Sunday to officiate a local tournament in Walpole on Sunday. Then it’ll be a homecoming of sorts when Lynch will referee a game at Harvard University next Saturday night.

“It’s going to be great being able to referee a game that’s 10 minutes from my house,’’ said Lynch. “It’ll be awesome to have a lot of friends and family come by and see me ref a game. It’ll be nice to be able to sleep in my own bed, and spend some time with my family and friends.”