A college job turned into something more meaningful for Albert Lea resident Ryan Nolander.

After complaining to a college roommate about not having any money, his roommate introduced him to officiating and he’s been at it ever since making his way through the officiating ranks.

Back in March Nolander had the privilege of calling the Class A boys’ hockey championship game and the Class 2A consolation championship game.

Nolander said the opportunity was an honor considering he was part of an all-southern Minnesota officiating crew.

“I was very honored to work the championship game,” Nolander said.

“They’ve never really had a truly southern Minnesota team do the championship.”

Nolander worked the Class A championship game between Warroad and Breck at the Xcel Energy Center with Jeremy Hendrickson, a 1996 Albert Lea graduate and Ryan Swafford. He also worked the Class AA consolation game at Mariucci Arena and a Class A quarterfinal game between St. Cloud Cathedral and Mahtomedi.

He was one of 16 referees and 12 linesmen invited to officiate the state tournament.

He said it was a unique experience to be able to walk out on to the ice at the Xcel Energy Center, but he also had to be careful because he caught himself watching himself on the big screen TV a few times.

Since Nolander, 33, started officiating in 1996 he’s progressed through the ranks to becoming the assistant officiating supervisor for District 4. The region ranges from the western and eastern borders of Minnesota and all the way north to New Prague.

In addition to high school games he officiates collegiate games as well as Minnesota Junior Hockey League, North American Hockey League and United States Hockey League games.

Nolander admits he’d like to break in with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and officiate on the college level some day.

Last summer, after getting noticed by WHCA Supervisor of Officials, Greg Shepherd, Nolander was invited to a WCHA officials camp.