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 2025-26 NHL Officiating Team

The NHLOA currently consists of 35 full-time Referees and 35 full-time Linespersons. In addition, we have 9 minor league Referees and 4 minor league Linespersons who split their time between the NHL and the AHL.

Meet The Team
Team Photo

2025-26 Roster Changes

New Hires

The NHLOA welcomes 4 new members to our staff this season

Ben Betker
Ben Betker
Referee
Cranbrook, BC
Dylan Blujus
Dylan Blujus
Linesperson
Amherst, NY
Jeremy Faucher
Jeremy Faucher
Linesperson
Cowansville, QC
Shawn Oliver
Shawn Oliver
Linesperson
Ottawa, ON

Promotions

Congratulations to the 2 officials promoted to full time NHL status this season

Jordan Samuels-Thomas
Jordan Samuels-Thomas
Referee
From AHL to NHL full-time
Ryan Jackson
Ryan Jackson
Linesperson
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

Ghislain Hebert
Ghislain Hebert
Referee • 17 seasons
1005 regular season games
Derek Nansen
Derek Nansen
Linesperson • 23 seasons
1399 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

83
Active Officials
199+
Alumni
18
Hall of Fame Members
56
Years as an Association

Recent Milestones

Celebrating the achievements and career highlights of our dedicated officials

First Playoff Game
Edmonton Oilers @ Los Angeles Kings
CJ Murray
CJ Murray Apr 21, 2025 Crypto.com Arena
First Playoff Game
Minnesota Wild @ Vegas Golden Knights
Furman South
Furman South Apr 20, 2025 T-Mobile Arena
First Playoff Game
Ottawa Senators @ Toronto Maple Leafs
Tyson Baker
Tyson Baker Apr 20, 2025 Scotiabank Arena
First Playoff Game
New Jersey Devils @ Carolina Hurricanes
Julien Fournier
Julien Fournier Apr 20, 2025 Lenovo Center
First NHL Game
Philadelphia Flyers @ Buffalo Sabres
Liam Maaskant
Liam Maaskant Apr 17, 2025 KeyBank Center
First NHL Game
Chicago Blackhawks @ Pittsburgh Penguins
Alex Lepkowski
Alex Lepkowski Apr 8, 2025 PPG Paints Arena

NHL Video Rulebook

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

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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: admin@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