NHL Officials Association

Highlighting the history, careers, and contributions of the NHLOA and its members, past and present.

Comprehensive bios, stats, and career highlights of NHL Referees and Linespersons

The 2026-27 NHL Officiating Team

The NHLOA currently consists of 35 full-time Referees and 35 full-time Linespersons. In addition, we have 10 minor league Referees and 4 minor league Linespersons who split their time between the NHL and the AHL.

Meet The Team
Team Photo

New Hires

The NHLOA welcomes 6 new members to our staff this season

Onni Hautamäki
Onni Hautamäki
Linesperson
Kuopio, Finland
Nick Isaacson
Nick Isaacson
Referee
Oakville, ON
Anthony Lapointe
Anthony Lapointe
Linesperson
Verdun, Montreal
Chris Martenet
Chris Martenet
Linesperson
Indianapolis, Indiana
Austin Rook
Austin Rook
Referee
Shrewsbury, MA
Hayden Verbeek
Hayden Verbeek
Referee
Kingston ON

Promotions

Congratulations to the 4 officials promoted to full time NHL status this season

Dylan Blujus
Dylan Blujus
Linesperson
From AHL to NHL full-time
Jeremy Faucher
Jeremy Faucher
Linesperson
From AHL to NHL full-time
Beau Halkidis
Beau Halkidis
Referee
From AHL to NHL full-time
Stephen Hiff
Stephen Hiff
Referee
From AHL to NHL full-time

Retirements

The NHLOA would like to recognize the outstanding careers of the following gentlemen and wish them the best of luck in retirement

Steve Barton
Steve Barton
Linesperson • 26 seasons
1678 regular season games
Brad Kovachik
Brad Kovachik
Linesperson • 30 seasons
1972 regular season games
Steve Kozari
Steve Kozari
Referee • 23 seasons
1238 regular season games
Chris Lee
Chris Lee
Referee • 27 seasons
1562 regular season games
Bryan Pancich
Bryan Pancich
Linesperson • 17 seasons
978 regular season games

About the Association

The NHL Officials Association represents the professional Referees and Linespersons who ensure the integrity and fairness of National Hockey League games.

Our History

The NHLOA (National Hockey League Officials’ Association), was born in 1969 out of a need to improve working conditions, salaries and other benefits for officials of the National Hockey League. All members are active Officials under contract to the NHL who are working in the NHL and designated minor leagues.

Bill Friday was the first NHLOA President and played an important part in the birth of the Association. With the arrival of a competitor in professional hockey in 1972, the Officials finally gained some leverage in negotiating with the NHL... Read More

Our Numbers

84
Active Officials
214+
Alumni
21
Hall of Fame Members
57
Years as an Association

Recent Milestones

First Playoff Game
Utah Mammoth @ Vegas Golden Knights
Corey Syvret
Corey Syvret Apr 21, 2026 T-Mobile Arena
First Playoff Game
Utah Mammoth @ Vegas Golden Knights
Travis Toomey
Travis Toomey Apr 19, 2026 T-Mobile Arena
First Playoff Game
Los Angeles Kings @ Colorado Avalanche
Kilian McNamara
Kilian McNamara Apr 19, 2026 Ball Arena
First Playoff Game
Ottawa Senators @ Carolina Hurricanes
Brandon Blandina
Brandon Blandina Apr 18, 2026 Lenovo Center
Final NHL Game
Dallas Stars @ Buffalo Sabres
Steve Barton
Steve Barton Apr 15, 2026 KeyBank Center
First NHL Game
Calgary Flames @ Colorado Avalanche
Ben Betker
Ben Betker Apr 9, 2026 Ball Arena

NHL Video Rulebook

Access the comprehensive video rulebook featuring official interpretations, game situations, and expert analysis to enhance your officiating knowledge.

NHLOA Apparel Store

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Contact Us

CONTACT NHLOA

If you have any questions or comments about the NHL Officials Association or this web site please email us here: info@nhlofficials.com

CONTACT ZEBRAS CARE COMMITTEE

Email the Zebras Care Committee here: zebrascare@nhlofficials.com

CONTACT NHLOA ALUMNI COMMITTEE

Email the Alumni Committee here: alumni@nhlofficials.com