The UAE IHF and The Emirates Hockey League became stronger recently as the the EHL added a referee certification clinic to it's CV. With thirteen "zebras" taking part in the clinic - put on by The EHL and supervised by Keith Fong in from Hong Kong, their was extensive literary coverage of rules and positioning as well as two on-ice sessions with the assistance of the UAE Ice Hockey Team who were going through teams try-outs. Classroom discussions were often intense with interpretations and techniques which will enable the officating team to become a single unit with strength in their play calling and their consistency.  The clinic also featured the certification of Ali Kaddas who took every opportunity to call a misconduct as well as show his pride at being the first and possibly the only certified linesman in the UAE.  Kaddas was quoted "I am very proud to wear the stripes and I will make baby Yas very happy when he sees me on the ice - it's really the only way I am going to get into the league!"  The league and the Refs would like to thank Mohamed Arif for his support of the program and look forward to an exciting and highly competitive finals which will take part later this month in Dubai at the new Dubai Mall Ice Rink.  Tentative dates for the 2-out-of-3 finals are February 24th, March 1st and if necessary March 4th.  The league leading Dubai Mighty Camels take on the Abu Dhabi Storms in one semi-final while the Al Ain Vipers and the Abu Dhabi Scorpions will battle in the other.  Check your local listings for game times, good seats still available for no cost and bring the whole family out for the coolest game in the desert!