An inspiration for all

Michael Dinn began officiating as a 16-year-old to stay involved in his local minor hockey program and make a few extra dollars. Nineteen years later, Michael is one of the most beloved and respected officials in Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador [HNL] history and one of a handful of officials in Newfoundland and Labrador to obtain a Level VI certification.

Hockey Canada’s Referee-In-Chief, Vernon Doyle, remembers meeting Michael for the first time at the World Under-17 Championships in Nova Scotia. “I came to know Mikey as a pretty special individual during that event. Mike was a class act both on and off the ice. His quiet unassuming manner was that much more appreciated by the guys because when he spoke and displayed his quick wit and cleverness he had the boys rolling with laughter,” says Doyle.

HNL’s Referee in Chief, Don Kelly shares Doyle’s viewpoint. “Michael is a pivotal member of the HNL Officiating Program. He has never forgotten his roots and is always willing to give back to the program. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable person as Mike.”

In November 2009, Michael was selected to serve as an Olympic Torchbearer because of his leadership and commitment to the community.

Michael’s life has not been without challenges. In September 2008, Michael was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. On his 34th birthday, Michael underwent surgery to remove part of his colon. At the same time, Michael and his wife Mandy announced they were expecting their first child.

Since then, Michael has undergone several more surgeries, including the removal of a major portion of his liver, and aggressive chemotherapy treatments. In April, 2009, while Michael was himself hospitalized, his wife Mandy gave birth to their first son, Joel.

In November, 2009 on the day he was scheduled to return to the ice, Michael was told the cancer had spread to his brain.

Sean Tobin, who began officiating with Michael in 1992, says “He never complains about the cancer. Rather he jokes about it and focuses on the things and the people that are most important to him. I have learned so much from him about hockey and about life in general. Most of all, I have been very fortunate to call him a friend for almost twenty years. The officiating community is a family and Michael is such an important part of our family. We love him and we’re going to see this thing through with him,” said Tobin.

Michael continues to maintain a positive attitude and focuses his energy and time on family and friends around him. In recent months, Michael has become an advocate for cancer research. He has championed the hustle for a Cure campaign in this province. To date, Michael has inspired many local official associations and hockey teams to join the cause by wearing a hustle for a Cure sticker and make a donation to the organization.

Michael continues to inspire and lead by example. John Quincy Adams once wrote, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” There is no question that Michael Dinn continues to serve as a great leader in our community.