After an exhaustive search, Atlantic Hockey and College Hockey America named Eugene Benda Jr. their next superintendent of officials.
Penda, who retired from his post after the 2021-22 season, served as the official observer of Atlantic Hockey during the 2022-23 campaign. He will begin his duties on July 1.
“Team Atlantic Hockey and College Hockey America are pleased to welcome Eugene Benda Jr. as our new Supervisor of Administrators,” Michelle Morgan, Commissioner of the Atlantic Hockey Association and College Hockey America, said in a statement. “Geno brings over three decades of management experience to the AHA and CHA and familiarity with each of our leagues. This, along with his longstanding relationships with professional and college officials in the Northeast and at the national level, makes him a perfect fit for the role.”
South Boston, Massachusetts, is the original official games of Atlantic Hockey East, ECAC, and NCHC at the NCAA Division I level as well as USHL, AHL, ECHL, SPHL, high school, and amateur hockey competitions over a 30-year career that began in 1992.
Nationally, Binda has officiated three NCAA Frozen Fours (2016, 2018, 2022) and eight NCAA regionals from 2015 to 2022 along with conference championships for Atlantic Hockey, NCHC and Hockey East. He capped his career in 2022 with men’s tournament duties at the Beanpot, Hockey East, and Frozen Four.
On a professional level, Binda has officiated the AHL, ECHL, and SPHL playoffs from 2009 to 2018, including ECHL Finals duties in 2009 and 2010 and AHL Conference Finals duties in 2013 and 2014.
“I am excited to be taking this next step in my hockey career as Superintendent of Officials for Atlantic Hockey and College Hockey America,” said Penda Jr.. “I want to thank my wife, Mary, and my two daughters, Cameron and Dylan, for their support of me through the years on the ice and now in my journey off the ice. I also want to thank former Commissioner Robert DiGregorio and former Superintendent of Officials Jen Benda for their support and guidance through this transition. I would like to continue In maximizing my staffing and giving other officials the opportunities that the AHA and CHA have provided for my career I am so grateful to be involved in hockey and to Commissioner Michelle Morgan for this opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to a great season.”