MEDICINE HAT - A native of the Irrigation Capital of Saskatchewan was recently honoured for his commitment on the ice.
Greg Sarauer of Medicine Hat, formerly of Outlook, was recognized by the Western Hockey League (WHL) for his lengthy tenure as a linesperson in the league just before the February 6 game between the hosting Medicine Hat Tigers and the Regina Pats.
Sarauer was presented with a WHL milestone award by Kevin Muench, the WHL’s senior director of officiating, recognizing Greg's 400th game worked as a linesperson on December 1 of last year.
“On behalf of the WHL and our member Clubs, we would like to congratulate Greg on receiving this prestigious WHL Milestone Award,” outgoing WHL commissioner Ron Robison said in a media release. “It takes a tremendous commitment to be an official in the WHL and we would like to thank Greg for his remarkable service to our league over the past 24 seasons.”
Currently in his 24th and final season working in the WHL, Sarauer's career began during the 2000-01 regular season of the league. From 2008 through 2011, Greg also worked as a WHL referee, in addition to his duties as a linesperson. Since joining the league, he has skated in more than 400 WHL regular season games and has appeared in the league playoffs in 16 seasons.
Greg is described as one of the best on the lines, and those with the Medicine Hat Tigers say they plan on inviting him to continue working their training camp games, if he's willing to do so.
Sarauer did not wish to speak to media regarding the award at this time, choosing to wait until the conclusion of the hockey season. Look for a future article on Greg in the spring.
