Dan Marouelli

Dan Marouelli

Some people just look the part. John Wayne is the definitive cowboy, Muhammad Ali, the boxer, Wilfred Brimely, the spot on grandfather, Elvis the essential rock star and Dan Marouelli, the prototypical NHL official.

Dan has always been the total package. Ask a hockey fan what qualities an NHL referee should possess and the answer will invariably include: impartiality, rule knowledge, a commitment to fitness, a passion and reverence for the game and the respect of the players. Check all the boxes and you have “Hooch” [to those of us fortunate to be close to him] is the one with the rugged, square jaw, the intense look punctuated by those steely eyes, the long graceful stride. You’ll also find a family man, a proud father, husband and one of the most graceful skaters and most successful men to don an NHL official’s jersey.

Dan has long been a staple of consistency and passion both as an NHL official and off the ice. He has been an inspiration and a role model for many officials who hail from his native Western Canada. He blazed a path, took a chance, gave up an established career as a firefighter, and moved to Ontario to chase his dream.

One thousand eight hundred plus games later, it seems to have all worked out, but back then, it took commitment, a leap of faith, strength of character, and an unfailing commitment to the game and belief in his own abilities. As it goes, not only has he survived, but put down roots, raising a family and always giving back to the game and the community. For many years Dan instructed at the Canadian Forces Officiating School, the Western Hockey League Officiating School, supported local charities in the Barrie, Ontario area and law enforcement officers everywhere while forging a life long special relationship with the Ontario Provincial Police.

Dan’s abilities include far more than just hockey related skills; they include a commitment to his fellow officials and those around him. I recall a particular training camp at an airport hotel in Toronto when a hotel employee burst into our meeting room and called out “A man collapsed in the men’s room, does anyone know CPR?” In a flash Dan was up and gone to the rescue, his instincts taking over, somehow, after that, I always felt a little more comfortable when he was around, I knew I could always depend on him and that’s what was always the best part about Dan, we all know, he cares and he cares deeply, and no matter what the circumstances, what the battle, he will be there, trying his hardest, doing his best, honoring the game and in the process, honoring himself.

Dan may not be the most recognizable official in the NHL, but is well respected and held with high esteem with his peers. Quiet at times, maybe a little insular, but just ask about his children and the gates come crashing down as he describes his life with his family, his wife Sharon, grown children Daniel, Dana and Joseph and his life seeing them all achieve their dreams and the joy he gets with realizing that yes, it was well worth it, that leap of faith, that opportunity of a lifetime really turned out to be a lifetime of opportunity and of the many lessons I will take from Hooch is to take advantage of the opportunities, enjoy the ride and to shamelessly steal a popular phrase, to be the “best you can be.”

Mike Leggp