PAUL KRESTANOWICH
Date of Birth: 1969-11-02Date of Induction: 2024
Born in Winnipeg and raised in River Heights, Paul Krestanowich's involvement in hockey spans over five decades, as a player, official, coach, and administrator.
After playing his minor hockey at River Heights and Sir John Franklin Community Clubs, Paul played for the Charleswood Hawks of the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League (MMJHL) from 1989 - 1991 while officiating minor hockey part-time.
Deciding that refereeing and school offered better options than playing, he embarked on a 22-year career as a certified Hockey Manitoba Official.
Serving as Referee-in-Chief of the Assiniboine Park Hockey Association (APHA) starting in 1987, he held the post until 1991 when he became a Hockey Manitoba Referee Supervisor for the next 10 years. He also served as a referee/linesman in the MJHL, MMJHL, WHL and CIAU from 1991-2001. He worked multiple Team Canada matches as an IIHF sanctioned referee between 1995-1998. He was Senior Referee for Canada West University hockey and was assigned the gold medal game at the 1997 World University Games in Chonju, Korea.
Attaining his Level 6 Official ranking, he was a referee/linesman in the International Hockey League and American Hockey League between 1996-2004.
After 22 years and over 2,000 games Paul retired from officiating in 2004, returning for one last skate in 2016 as a linesman at the NHL Heritage Classic Alumni game in Winnipeg.
In addition to his refereeing assignments, Krestanowich has coached minor hockey at all levels from Initiation to AA to high school hockey. Volunteering at River Heights/Corydon Community Club, his Economics degree helps look after the budgeting, sponsorship and other paperwork for the hockey program.
Through his volunteer efforts, he played an important role in creating and implementing Long Term Player Development (LTPD) principles within the Initiation hockey program in 2010, a driving force behind skill development and respect for everyone in the game.