Hood‘s book (with Murray Townsend) titled, "Calling the "Back then we were fighting for some respect," he noted. "Here we are 20â€"some years later and the wheel just keeps going around." Of course, he‘s no longer in the pro hockey loop. Not really. He plays some oldâ€"timers‘ hockey for fun and referees in charity games. He bought a travel agency in Milton, his hometown, when he retired from officiating in 1984 (Bruce Hood Travel â€" "The Way To Go!") Next month, he will open a branch in Bronte. He also tried his hand at television sports analysis/commentary without really catchine on. Our man was instrumental in getting the original Referee and Linesmen‘s Association organized in 1969. Hood, a Bronte resident for the past five years, has been much in the news lately with his comments on the current NHL officials‘ strike. He got his own ‘byâ€"line‘ in both the Toronto Star and the Globe and was interviewed on three separate radio stations. As an NHL referee for 21 years, from ‘63 to ©84, he speaks from considerable experience. "Holyâ€"moly," the 6‘2" grandfaâ€" ther raved, "I just love it â€" cutting the rug. Man, it‘s such a great workâ€" out." (We all have idiosyncrasies â€" you really have to admire his enthuâ€" siasm.) Never mind that he goes lineâ€" dancing every Thursday night at the local Legion Hall with his main squeeze Daphne. Don‘t be fooled. Behind this boyish exterior and electric silk tie beats the heart of a born entrepreneur, bon vivant, and world traveller. He‘s a redâ€"blooded Canadian guy with small town roots and big city aspirations. Earlier this year, he tossed his hat into the politâ€" ical ring, seeking the local Federal Liberal nomination. Bonnie Brown won the nomination and is now in Ottawa. Hood took a trip to St. Maarten in the Caribbean. Is this the Canadian way? "Don‘t cet mad â€" set a tan." "I don‘t know," the 57â€"yearâ€"old hockey referee quipped, "I don‘t want to grow up." Then he flashed the crin. t first glance, Bruce Hood is like a big kid. In fact, somebody asked him recently what he was going to be when he grew up. Catching up to Bruce Hood isn‘t easy As Far As Whitby To The East And Newmarket To The North ESHORE ROAD EAST VV 0 00 FROM OUR STORE Shots: Memoirs of an NHL Referee" was published in hardcovâ€" er by Stoddart in 1988 and came out as a general paperback a year later. For a time, he ran a school for officials in the summer months and started a mailâ€"order business in equipment for referees. This he has expanded to include alarms for jogâ€" gers, tips for eating properly on the road, and a Club for Armchair Referees. (There is a market for this stuff, trust me.) It was a Canadian bestseller. (See ‘Hood‘ page 12) BRUCE HOOD @6000 6 0 6666066660 8 n 78 Maplegrove nited Church 486874 exim> 4 MUSIC ertyhs oung children 6 months to 3 1/2 years old (in 6 month groupings) REGISTER NOW for 10 weel(_ Y@pgerflte% starting For babies and Musical Beginnings~