1000 Games

On Saturday, Decemeber 23, 2006, NHL Referee Paul Devorski will officiate in his 1000th regular season National Hockey League game when the Washington Capitals face-off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

Paul's younger brother Greg, referee Dan O'Halloran and linesman Steve Miller will have the honour of working along side of him for this special game. Many family members and friends will also be in attendance to help cheer on and celebrate Paul's accomplishment.

Paul a 20 year veteran in the league, began his officiating career back in his mid-twenties. The Guelph, Ontario native also had a succesful junior and senior hockey career before trading in his stick for a whistle.

Paul began officiating in the beer leagues and industrial leagues before joining the Ontario Hockey Association(OHA). His hockey smarts and great rapport with players and coaches allowed him to move quickly into the Ontario Hockey League(OHL) and shortly thereafter he caught the eye of the NHL brass and he signed on as a referee trainee at the age of 28. He worked in the American Hockey League for six years before being hired full time in the NHL.

During his rise to the NHL Paul had many people help him along the way. His father Bill was a big inspiration and provided Paul support along the way. Bill officiated himself for thirty five years and continued on after as a supervisor helping out the younger officials. Will Norris, Ken Bodendistel, Lou Maschio, John McCauley, Dave Newell and Brian Lewis were all instrumental in developing Paul into an NHL calibre official.

Paul has also had a distinguished career to date. He has worked in 4 Stanley Cup Finals, the 2004 World Cup, the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, the 49th All-Star game in Tampa, FL and 102 play-off games. Paul would be the first to say none of this would have been possible without the support of his fellow officials in the league.

We wish Paul continued success and congratulate him on achieving this great milestone.

NHLOA

FRIENDS FOR LIFE by Dan O'Halloran

I first met Paul Devorski at an OHA (Ontario Hockey Association) golf outing in the early '80s. I was becoming interested in officiating higher levels of hockey and knew that he was already on track to become an NHL referee. I hoped when I met him that I could watch, listen, and learn from him.

Paul has a remarkable ability to make people laugh and with this ability he uses his hockey common sense to develop relationships in the hockey world like no other I have ever seen. This hockey sense also has given Paul the judgement needed to become one of the best at this profession.

I was lucky enough to be able to watch Paul first hand work his magic. Paul worked a number of games in the IHL and I worked many times with him as a linesman. Paul and I were lucky enough to have Sam Sisco as one of our teachers while working in the minor leagues. Sam was able to teach us things in ways that never affected our confidence.

During my 15 year career I have been able to laugh many times both with and at Paul. I am lucky to have him as a colleague but more importantly as a friend.

It is a true honor and pleasure to be working with him in his 1000th NHL game.

Dan O'Halloran

NHL Referee #13