Officially funny
“The Unofficials” become fan favourites at Cape Breton Eagles playoff games
SYDNEY — Cape Breton Eagles fans don’t often like the referees on the ice but they’re not arguing penalties with the ones dressed as officials in the stands.
A group of friends known as “The Unofficials” have quickly won the hearts of Eagles fans since the start of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League playoffs for their colourful and hilarious antics during the games.
The Unofficials dress like on-ice officials by wearing referee jerseys and helmets while entertaining the fans with different props for situations that occur on the ice, one being a telephone when a play is under review.
Along with the props, The Unofficials also cheer for the hometown Eagles and encourage fan engagement during the games – it’s not uncommon to see fellow fans taking pictures with them when the players leave the ice.
The four men behind the referee jerseys are Lee Crawley, Wes Stanford, Jason MacPhee and Brandon Fraser, all of whom are from the Sydney area.
The idea for The Unofficials first surfaced during the Eagles’ 2019 playoff run when Crawley asked a few of his friends if they wanted to dress up as referees.
“It only lasted one playoff due to COVID-19,” said Crawley. “I wanted to get it going against this year and I reached out to my buddies to see if they would be interested and they all said yes.”
The Unofficials made their return to Centre 200 for Games 1 and 2 of the Eagles’ first-round playoff series with the Rimouski Océanic late last month.
They sat behind the visiting team’s penalty box and could be heard throughout the game cheering, waving an Eagles flag, getting fans to show their support for the team and even starting the famous wave from section to section.
It didn’t take long for the men to become fan favourites.
“As soon as we walked in the building, they knew we were back,” said Crawley, who during the fall and winter months is also a certified
Hockey Nova Scotia referee in the Cape Breton community and has been for 15 years.
“It’s awesome for the kids and that’s what it’s all about for us is bringing excitement to the game and the fans.”
Stanford is no stranger to dressing the part for sporting events.
During the World Women’s Curling Championship, he was the person who throughout the Canada games began the chants of "Rachel Homan" and "Go Canada Go."
“It’s an absolute blast and all in good fun,” said Stanford. “If we can create some positive vibes and energy inside Centre 200, it’s adding an element that’s huge come playoff time and that’s the seventh man.
“I have personally spoke to a few of the players and they absolutely love it and feed off it.”
Stanford isn’t wrong. Just ask Eagles forward Jacob Newcombe.
“It was interesting to see them, that’s for sure,” laughed Newcombe. “It definitely gave the guys a little laugh on the bench, for sure, but I think it’s great because the crowd gets into it and they sort of lead the way, so I think it’s awesome.”
Meanwhile, in an interview with the Cape Breton Post after Game 1 of the Rimouski series, forward Cam Squires acknowledged the fans and The Unofficials.
“For me and the boys, we love it, we can’t thank the fans enough for their support,” said Squires. “We saw the guys dressed as referees, it was pretty funny for us, but they do a great job.”
‘OUR FANS LOVED THEM'
Joey Haddad, Eagles assistant general manager of business operations and brand ambassador, also acknowledged The Unofficials being a hit in stands.
“Our fans loved them, and they played a huge part in getting the crowd into the game – they’re a great icebreaker,” said Haddad. “They take on the focus of our large crowds and allow our fans to let loose, cheer and have a great time.
“The energy they bring is infectious and they’ve been welcomed by our fans with open arms. I look forward to seeing them at more games.”
For Crawley and The Unofficials team, the support and appreciation are all the motivation they need to keep returning to the rink.
“The team performing, and winning games is a motivator but hopefully this will add more value to the Eagles come the regular season and we as a community can pull together to support our team,” said Crawley.
“I remember as a kid going to the Cape Breton Oilers games and seeing the trumpet guy — he had the fans on their feet.”
The Unofficials weren’t only recognized in Cape Breton, but also in Quebec. An Océanic fan also dressed as a referee during Rimouski home games last week – one can only assume inspired by the Eagles fans.
“I think it’s great to see more people involved with their teams and supporting them,” said Crawley. “Maybe we still start seeing some other fans and kids dress up, too.”
The Eagles, who eliminated the Océanic in five games last Friday, will kick off the second round of the league playoffs on Friday and Saturday with Games 1 and 2 against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens.
Crawley and Stanford confirmed The Unofficials will once again be in the stands.
“Absolutely, with bells, flags and horns and even phones in case we need to make a 'phone call,'” said Stanford. “Anything that we can to add a little fun and get some laughs for the fans to help create that positive vibe, we’re looking for.”
Crawley had a message for the fans.
“Stay tuned for the show,” said Crawley. “Get your tickets before they’re all sold out. Go Eagles Go!”