Koho recognized

It's last night [Saturday September 26]that the Sports Officials Canada Annual Awards Dinner took place and Alumni and former NHL referee Don Koharski received the Foxcroft Award for officiating excellence in professional sport. The Dartmouth, N.S., native officiated his last NHL game last season after a 32-year career.

Ron Foxcroft, Don Koharski and Mark Pare

Koho appeared in his first NHL game as a linesman on Oct. 14, 1977, made his NHL referee debut on November 18, 1981 and officiated his last game on April 9.

In all, he appeared in 1,882 regular season games, 262 playoff games, 11 Stanley Cup finals, two All-Star Games, two Canada Cups, and the 2004 World Cup. He has now taken on his second career as a coach/supervisor with the NHL and will share with younger Officials his vast knowledge of the game.

From left to right: Linesman Brad Lazarowich, Alumni Angelo D'Amico, Alumni Bryan Lewis, NHL Senior Vice-President Jim Gregory, Linesman Greg Devorski [back], Koho, Alumni Mark Vines, Alumni Ron Wicks, Alumni Ron Hoggarth, Linesman Mark Pare, Alumni Jerry Pateman and Alumni and Director of Officiating Terry Gregson.

It's an emotional and, at times, choked-up Koho who spoke in front of a packed room and his emotions were contagious as many in the audience shed a few tears as well.

The NHLOA and all its Members would like to congratulate Koho. He has received many honours and accolades since he left the ice for the last time on April 9 last season and there is not one of them that is not well-deserved. Congrats!!!