Brian Blumberg Memorial Fund

Brian Blumberg, 31, passed away Sunday, August 19th, at his home in Anaheim, CA. He grew up playing ice hockey from the age of 6 in the Southern California area. He began officiating youth ice hockey at the age of 13 to make extra money and to give back to the game he loved so much. He was loved by the officials and players at Lakewood ICE, where he officiated most of his games in recent years. He was a long standing member of LAHOA (Los Angeles Hockey Officials Association). He helped mentor young officials and was always there to explain rules and the different nuances of the game to anyone that would ask or listen. It was not uncommon to see Brian playing hockey in the front yard with neighborhood children, teaching them to shoot pucks, giving them sticks.  He loved kids and often talked about coaching someday. He loved all sports and was a walking encyclopedia for pretty much every sport. His favorites were hockey, baseball, football and golf. His favorite sports teams were the Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Angels, New York Jets and he especially loved his lefty golfers, Phil Michelson and Bubba Watson. He would golf as much as he could and became quite good at it too.


Brian's family is a hockey family, I could count on one hand the amount of people who have done what his mother, Sandy Blumberg, has done for the game of hockey in Southern California. Sandy was the Commissioner of SCAHA (Southern California Amateur Hockey Association) for many years and remained active in the league long after Brian finished his travel hockey career.


Brian was the glue of the Blumberg household. He loved his family more than words could ever express and was there in the most dire times of need. He had two dogs he loved with all his heart, but he loved all animals. Cooking was also a passion, and he took great joy in not only cooking for his family but he loved to try new recipes and was always anxious to see their reaction. He always thought of other people first and was there to help no matter how inconvenient it was for him. He always put others first and was always the first to help if someone needed it. He was truly a selfless man. His smile was infectious and could cheer you up by just cracking a joke or smiling at you.


With the costs associated with a family member passing, any money collected will be used by the Blumberg family to help with any outstanding bills Brian had, costs associated with a memorial service, and other needs during this tough time, every little bit helps. The hockey communities heart is broken as they lost a dear friend this past weekend.


Forever in our hearts rest in peace Brian Leigh Blumberg