Smithfield’s Amanda Tassoni officiates her first Olympic women’s hockey game

MILAN, ITALY — Amanda Tassoni, a native of Smithfield, R.I., is living her dream at the Winter Olympics. Today, she officiated her first Olympic game, the matchup between Germany and Japan in women’s hockey, marking a major milestone in her officiating career.

Tassoni had been selected by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) as one of just 10 on-ice officials from the United States to work the 2026 Women’s Winter Olympic Hockey tournament in Milan. She calls the opportunity “the chance of a lifetime.”

Her love for hockey began early, inspired by her father, Bob, and older brother, RJ. Though her mother, Sue, encouraged figure skating, Tassoni was drawn to the fast-paced action of hockey. She played through high school at Mount Saint Charles Academy and later at the University of Rhode Island.

After college, Tassoni transitioned to officiating, staying close to the game she loves while helping grow the sport. In preparation for the Olympics, she and her fellow officials attended a pre-Olympics training camp in December.

Germany defeated Japan 5-2.