nhl referees travel

How Much Do NHL Referees Travel

In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, referees play a vital role in ensuring fair play and upholding the integrity of the game. However, their responsibilities extend far beyond the ice rink.

As full-time employees of the NHL, these officials embark on an extensive travel schedule, officiating an average of 72 games per year across North America.

This article explores the challenges, benefits, and financial aspects of the rigorous travel demands placed on NHL referees, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes reality of their demanding profession.

NHL Referees’ Full-Time Schedule

NHL referees’ full-time schedule includes officiating an average of 72 games per year. This demanding workload involves extensive travel throughout North America, which can have a significant impact on their personal lives.

With each game taking place in a different city and arena, NHL referees accumulate a considerable amount of travel mileage. They often traverse the US-Canada border, making multiple trips throughout the season. The constant change in time zones can lead to jet lag and fatigue, further affecting their personal well-being.

Additionally, spending significant time away from their families can be challenging for referees. Despite the toll it may take, the opportunity to travel allows referees to experience different cities, cultures, and NHL arenas, creating a rewarding aspect of their profession.

Limited Number of NHL Referees

With only 35 referees employed by the league, the NHL faces the challenge of managing a limited number of officials to officiate its games. This limited number of NHL referees means that each referee has a significant workload throughout the season. They are responsible for officiating an average of 72 games per year, which requires extensive travel to different cities and arenas across North America.

The impact of this travel on referees’ performance cannot be overlooked. Frequent travel can lead to fatigue, jet lag, and disruptions to their personal lives and routines. However, it also presents opportunities for referees to experience different cities, cultures, and NHL arenas.

Despite the challenges, the limited number of NHL referees must adapt and remain flexible to ensure the smooth running of the games.

Pair Assignments for NHL Games

Referees in the NHL are assigned in pairs to officiate games throughout the season, ensuring fair play and adherence to the rules of the game. This pair assignment system allows for consistency and collaboration among referees. The NHL takes into consideration referees’ travel preferences when making these pair assignments. Referees may have specific preferences or requirements for their travel accommodations, such as hotel preferences or flight preferences. The league strives to accommodate these preferences to ensure that referees have a comfortable and convenient travel experience. By taking into account travel preferences, the NHL aims to support referees in their demanding and exhausting travel schedule, allowing them to perform their duties effectively on the ice.

Extensive Travel Across North America

The rigorous travel schedule of NHL referees includes extensive trips across North America to officiate games in various cities and arenas. This demanding travel can have a significant impact on referees’ personal lives. They may have to spend extended periods away from their families and deal with disrupted routines. Additionally, the constant change in time zones can lead to jet lag and fatigue, affecting their performance on the ice.

To manage these challenges, referees employ strategies such as adjusting sleep schedules, staying hydrated, and practicing good nutrition. They may also use techniques like light therapy and melatonin to regulate their sleep patterns.

Despite the difficulties, referees understand that traveling allows them to experience different cities and cultures while broadening their perspectives. It is a rewarding aspect of their job, albeit one that requires adaptability and resilience.

Demanding and Exhausting Travel Schedule

The demanding and exhausting travel schedule of NHL referees takes a toll on their personal lives and requires them to be constantly adaptable and resilient. Referees’ travel fatigue is a significant challenge they face throughout the season.

They are constantly on the move, traveling to different cities and arenas for each game, which can disrupt their routines and lead to feelings of fatigue and jet lag due to the constant change in time zones. Additionally, managing travel disruptions such as delays or cancellations can further add to the demands of their schedule.

Despite these challenges, referees must remain adaptable and flexible to ensure they arrive at each game on time and ready to officiate. Managing their travel effectively is crucial in maintaining their performance and overall well-being.

NHL’s Travel Accommodations for Referees

NHL referees are provided with comprehensive travel accommodations by the league. Here are three key aspects of the NHL’s travel accommodations for referees:

• Hotel Accommodations: The league typically provides referees with hotel accommodations for each game. This ensures that they have a comfortable and convenient place to stay during their travels.
• Transportation Coverage: The NHL covers the cost of referees’ flights or other transportation expenses. This relieves referees from the burden of arranging and paying for their own travel.
• Preferences and Convenience: Referees may have specific preferences or requirements for their accommodations. The league takes these into consideration to ensure that referees have a travel experience that meets their needs. This attention to detail helps minimize any potential negative impact of travel on referees’ performance.

Challenges of Frequent Travel

Frequent travel presents numerous challenges for NHL referees, impacting their personal lives, routines, and overall well-being.

One major challenge is jet lag management, as referees often cross multiple time zones during their travels. This can lead to fatigue and disrupt their sleep patterns, affecting their performance on the ice.

Additionally, referees must sacrifice valuable family time, as they spend significant periods away from their loved ones due to their travel schedule. This can strain relationships and make it difficult to maintain a work-life balance.

Despite these challenges, referees are professionals who must adapt and remain flexible in order to fulfill their responsibilities. By managing jet lag and making necessary sacrifices, referees are able to maintain their commitment to the game and ensure fair officiating.

Benefits of Traveling for NHL Referees

Traveling for NHL referees offers unique opportunities for personal growth and cultural enrichment. Here are three benefits of travel experiences and their impact on personal life:

• Broadened Perspective: By visiting different cities and cultures, referees gain a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and lifestyles. This exposure allows them to develop a broader worldview, fostering empathy and acceptance.
• Enhanced Professional Network: Traveling allows referees to build relationships with other officials and hockey personnel from various backgrounds. These connections can lead to professional growth opportunities, mentorship, and valuable collaborations.
• Enriched Personal Life: While frequent travel can disrupt personal routines, it also provides referees with the chance to explore new places, experience different cuisines, and engage in recreational activities. This can lead to personal rejuvenation, stress reduction, and a balanced lifestyle.

Financial Aspects of Being an NHL Referee

Referees in the NHL have the opportunity to earn a substantial income through their officiating duties. NHL referees make between $200,000 to $400,000 per year, with potential earnings of up to $18,000 per series during the playoffs.

Additionally, the league offers a 5-6 month break after the season ends, allowing referees time to recover, spend time with friends and family, and travel for enjoyment. The NHL takes care of many expenses, including travel and food while on the road, which helps alleviate financial burdens. However, referees may still have additional expenses such as paying into the officials union, gym memberships, and physical therapy.

It is worth noting that while the financial compensation is generous, referees in youth, high school, college, and minor hockey may face financial challenges. Balancing the financial aspects of being an NHL referee with their personal lives can be challenging, but the perks of the job, including compensation and time off, contribute to a fulfilling work-life balance.

Path to Becoming an NHL Referee

To become an NHL referee, individuals must undergo rigorous training and obtain licensing through governing hockey bodies, often transitioning from playing the sport themselves. The path to becoming an NHL referee involves several steps and opportunities for advancement. Here are three key aspects of the process:

• Training: Aspiring NHL referees must complete comprehensive training programs that cover the rules and mechanics of officiating. This includes classroom instruction, on-ice training, and evaluations to assess their skills and knowledge.
• Officiating Experience: Referees gain experience by officiating games at lower levels, such as youth, high school, and college hockey. This allows them to develop their skills, build their knowledge of the game, and work their way up through the officiating ranks.
• NHL Officiating Amateur Exposure Combine: The NHL Officiating Amateur Exposure Combine provides an opportunity for former players with officiating potential to fast-track their progress. This program identifies and develops talented individuals, giving them the chance to officiate at higher levels of hockey and ultimately work towards becoming NHL referees.

Financial Challenges in Lower Levels of Officiating

As referees progress through the ranks of officiating, they may encounter significant financial challenges, particularly at lower levels of the sport. Officiating at the youth, high school, college, and minor hockey levels often involves lower pay rates compared to professional leagues like the NHL.

These financial struggles can make it difficult for referees to balance their personal lives and meet their financial obligations. Many lower-level referees have to work additional jobs to supplement their income, which can further complicate their schedules and add to the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance.

Despite these financial challenges, many referees persevere because of their passion for the sport and the desire to progress in their officiating careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do nhl referees typically spend away from their families due to travel.

NHL referees often spend significant time away from their families due to frequent travel. Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, especially with disruptions to routines and the potential for jet lag and fatigue.

How Do NHL Referees Handle Jet Lag and Fatigue From Constant Time Zone Changes?

NHL referees manage jet lag and fatigue from constant time zone changes through various techniques, such as adjusting sleep schedules, staying hydrated, and incorporating light exercise. The impact of travel on referee performance is mitigated by their adaptability and resilience.

What Happens if There Are Travel Delays or Cancellations That Affect a Referee’s Game Assignments?

Travel delays or cancellations can disrupt a referee’s game assignments. Referees may need to be reassigned to different games or reschedule their travel plans. This can be challenging for both the referees and the league.

Do NHL Referees Have Any Say in Their Travel Accommodations or Preferences?

NHL referees have some say in their travel accommodations and preferences. The league provides hotel accommodations and covers transportation costs. Referees may have specific requirements, and the league ensures a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Are NHL Referees Responsible for Any Additional Expenses During the Season, Besides the Ones Covered by the League?

NHL referees are not responsible for any additional expenses during the season. The league covers the cost of their travel and accommodations. Referees can focus solely on their game assignments without having to worry about financial burdens.

In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, NHL referees face a demanding and exhausting travel schedule as they officiate an average of 72 games per year.

While this rigorous lifestyle can disrupt their personal lives, it also offers the opportunity to explore different cities and cultures.

Despite the challenges, the travel aspect of being an NHL referee provides a rewarding experience, allowing officials to broaden their perspectives and forge connections with fellow officials and hockey personnel.

It truly is a journey of growth and camaraderie.

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How Much Do NHL Refs Get Paid?

Ever wonder how much NHL officials get paid? Boardroom has all the details on the current NHL referee salary structure.

On-ice officials in the NHL have a fast-paced and demanding job.

A rigorous work schedule, not to mention constant travel and the tiniest room for error in some of the game’s biggest moments. And let’s not forget the physical conditioning it takes to skate up and down the ice for 60+ minutes a game.

But keeping order on the ice, as it turns out, can mean some significant money — especially for veteran officials who’ve made a career out of calling the shots.

A look at the current collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and NHL Officials’ Association shows officials earn quite the compensation package — one that’s comparable to NBA referees’ salary structure.

The @NHL and the NHL Officials’ Association have reached an agreement on a new four-year deal. pic.twitter.com/oFoXwjneYt — NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 1, 2019

So how much money do NHL refs really make? Let’s skate through some of the details.

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NHL Referee Salary Overview

Like most jobs in america, an nhl referee’s salary is based on  seniority and performance..

Compensation for NHL officials varies by years of service, as well as position in the officiating crew — referee or linesman.

Here’s a snapshot of the current status of officiating in the NHL, including salary ranges for the regular season and additional compensation for playoff games.

• The NHL currently has an officiating roster of 35 full-time referees and 34 full-time linesmen.
• Referees are expected to work at least 73 of the 82 regular season games, while linesmen must work 74 games.
• Salaries for officials are determined by years of service: referees’ pay scale is from one to 16 years or more, while linemen’s payscale extends to 20+ years.
• According to the current collective bargaining agreement, referees can earn anywhere between $220,602 (Year 1) to $ 482,226 (16+ years) for preseason and the regular season, while linemen make between $141,291 (Year 1) and $292,027 (20+ years).
• Twenty referees and 20 linemen are selected to officiate in the playoffs.
• Officials who are selected to officiate in the playoffs can earn additional compensation per round — referees make $27,000 and linesmen make $17,250 .
• The NHL requires a standby referee and standby linemen for the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Finals — standby referees earn $1,000 per game , while linesmen make $650 per game .

Now let’s look at the zebras who’ve earned their stripes — not to mention a substantial payday.

Longest-tenured/ Highest-Paid Officials in the NHL   ($482,226+):

• Kevin Pollock – 1,488 career games since 2000
• Marc Joannette – 1,452 career games since 1999
• Kelly Sutherland – 1,389 career games since 2000
• Eric Furlatt – 1,328 career games since 2001
• Dan O’Rourke – 1,321 career games since 1999
• Ian Walsh – 1,321 career games since 2000
• Chris Rooney – 1,316 career games since 2000
• Chris Lee – 1,267 career games since 2001
• Wes McCauley – 1,217 career games since 2003
• Gord Dwyer – 1,125 career games since 2005

A look at past collective bargaining agreements shows NHL officials’ salary has also grown substantially over the years. According to the 2010-14 CBA , the pay range for the 2012-13 season was between $112,187 to $353,649.

With the expiration of the current CBA expected at the end of this year, just how much more can NHL officials expect in the future?

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Earning their stripes: How NHL refs stay in shape

CHICAGO -- NHL referee Dan O'Rourke, like most frequent fliers, is a meticulous packer. For every work trip, his suitcase weighs exactly 52 pounds. Should an airport attendee measure it at, say, 51 pounds, O'Rourke knows he must have left something at home. And he never leaves for a trip without his black-and-white striped uniform -- which he is responsible for transporting (and laundering) himself between cities -- his skates, gym clothes, toiletries and a high-powered blender. That's right, a blender. After burning 1,000 calories in a regulation game, how else is he supposed to replenish without a protein shake?

Let's just say that O'Rourke must be resourceful. Welcome to the secluded and highly regimented lifestyle of NHL officials, who call themselves the league's 32nd team. The parallels between the 68 men in stripes who regulate the game and an actual NHL team are hard to ignore.

There's a demanding coach (fitness guru Dave Smith, aka "Smitty") who keeps them in line and a manager (head of officiating Stephen Walkom) who oversees the roster. There are, unfortunately, season-ending injuries, which means AHL call-ups. The season is defined by exhausting travel -- most refs typically work three games a week, meaning they're on the road 19-21 days a month -- and their ultimate goal is to skate in the Stanley Cup playoffs. More than anything else, there's a need to keep up with the best.

"No question, the pace of the game has changed to become much faster," says Vaughan Rody, who was honored last month for officiating his 1,000th NHL game. "And we need to keep up, too."

Over the past few years, this has led to a total obsession with fitness.

It's mid-December in Chicago, and the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks are on the ice for warm-ups. In the bowels of the United Center, the only sound is muffled electronic dance music echoing up from the ice. This is where the four officials for the night's game are conducting their own warm-ups.

O'Rourke wraps an exercise band around a nearby forklift so he can use it to stretch (remember, he's resourceful). He is reminded that, at this very arena five years ago, he suffered his goriest injury. Then- New Jersey Devils winger Dainius Zubrus fired a slap shot to dump the puck into Chicago's zone. O'Rourke was standing on the Zamboni end by the wall and, as he notes, not where he was supposed to be. The puck bounced off the glass, hit the stanchion and ricocheted right into O'Rourke's teeth. Fifty stitches and three implants later, he returned to the ice.

Before becoming an official, O'Rourke spent time in the ECHL, suiting up for the Erie Panthers and Louisiana IceGators, where he picked up penalties instead of calling them. O'Rourke also endured three shoulder surgeries during his playing days, and his officiating injuries include "a handful of knee stuff," including MCL sprains, meniscus issues and a bone taken out of his knee.

Kory Nagy, 28, is the youngest of all the officials. A fifth-round draft pick of the Devils in 2008, he played 306 games of pro hockey -- including 117 in the AHL -- before switching to officiating in 2014. He made his NHL debut in 2016.

"After I was done playing, I was burnt out from all the strenuous lifting. I couldn't maintain that forever," says Nagy, who has slimmed from his playing weight of 205-210 pounds to 193.

And then there's Rody, whose body has been ravaged by his job, though you could never tell by his cheery disposition -- or his pregame routine. Rody's feet are propped on a railing and he extends in a plank position, his face nearly grazing the floor. Rody has had both legs broken by slap shots (one from longtime NHL defenseman Andrew Ference ). He also tore a pectoral muscle while breaking up a fight. "They cut the jersey off between periods," Rody says, matter-of-factly. "And the doctors said, 'Oh my god, we have to schedule you for surgery right away. Flew back to [my home in] Seattle, had surgery the next day. I was out for eight months after that."

Rody also had spinal fusion surgery two-and-a-half years ago, which sidelined him for more than a year.

It's amazing that they've all been able to bounce back from these injuries, but it makes more sense when you consider how they train.

"They're not professional athletes, but we're treating them like athletes," Walkom says. "To be able to step on the ice with the best hockey players on the world you would need to be conditioned accordingly."

Each year, officials convene for their own training camp. When Walkom officiated in the 1980s, workouts weren't so vigorous. Everyone was required to run two miles.

"You just needed to complete it," Walkom says. "Like it was a high school gym test."

Officials used to come to training camp to get in shape.

"I'd let myself go, then try to lose 15 pounds at the end of summer," O'Rourke says. "Now guys are more into a lifestyle of fitness and health versus crash dieting and whipping into shape right before the season."

They have Smith to thank for that. Smith is a former trainer for the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers who joined the league in the 1990s to work with officials. He developed a program that involved testing ( see sidebar below ). Unlike players who covet power and lower-body girth, refs prefer to be leaner. It's easier on the joints, which can help a ref continue to work into his 50s.

"Smitty has probably prolonged a lot of guy's careers," Rody says. "In this business, we're not making millions of dollars like these players are. We're making $300,000 a year. That's a lot of money for us. So if we buy in, get in shape, maybe it buys us an extra two or three years. It's better for everybody."

On-ice drills include getting out of the way after a puck is dropped for faceoff. Refs are also required to scrimmage against each other, the thinking being: If you can't play a full game of hockey, you probably shouldn't be on the ice.

Smith has a reputation fore being a hard-ass. A few years ago, he eliminated mayonnaise from the officials' training-camp menu, which caused a small revolt because of dry sandwiches. He monitors the refs closely throughout the season.

"If a guy is slipping, Smitty goes and lives with them for a week," Walkom says.

In what sounds like a boot camp reality show, Smith will embed at a referee's home, fully examining his training regimen and his fridge.

"Well, usually their fridge looks great," Smith says. "It's when they're on the road -- that's when it's most difficult to make good choices."

He'll also check in when officials cycle through Buffalo, where he's based. Though Rody has never been subject to extra Smitty time, he knows, "If you're told you need to go to Buffalo, and he's scheduling for you to go for a skate in the morning, obviously you're not doing what's expected of you."

Adds O'Rourke: "He's got our best interests in mind. But I'm sure it's not easy to receive. Nobody wants to hear, 'Hey, chubby.'"

Smith shares the rationale for his tough-love stance: "If your fitness level is greater than it needs to be, then you have no problem getting into the right positions and having the right sightlines," he says. "And if you don't have to worry about getting into those right spots, then you just need to focus on your judgement and your communication. And your job becomes much easier for you."

Though they work with a different crew every game, the officials treat each other like a team. Usually they get lunch together before a game. In Chicago, that means salads.

"Our lunches have changed completely," O'Rourke admits. "It used to be that at 12:30 you'd have the biggest plate of pasta and chicken and then go nap, work the game, and then eat chicken wings and beer afterward."

Now, O'Rourke makes his protein shakes after the game -- no need for a huge meal, just replenishment. In-season workouts vary from official to official.

Kozari supplements his yoga with cardio machines like the elliptical or bike (running is too hard on his joints). Nagy and Rody are both avid cyclists -- they mountain bike while at home, and Nagy even rented bikes when working games in Arizona and Las Vegas.

O'Rourke, meanwhile, is a CrossFit junkie. which works out well, because he can find gyms all over the country. He typically does about five CrossFit workouts a week, which sometimes means squeezing in a CrossFit workout in the morning and working a game at night.

"My workout is the hardest part of my day," O'Rourke says. "Then when it comes to working a hockey game, because I put so much time on the other side of it, the physical demands aren't that bad. Mentally, I can stay in the game much longer."

Says Rody: "There are 68 guys, and we all have our own way to work out, but as we're committed, and working hard, we're going to do the best job we can every night."

Being an NHL referee is inherently thankless. If you officiate a perfect game, that means nobody in the arena is talking about you. We tend to only notice refs when we think they messed up. Wes McCauley has become the rare exception to this, becoming a viral sensation for his dramatic recitings of video reviews .

More often, a stigma haunts refs; they've been conditioned by abuse and scapegoating since juniors. It's telling that one of the most retold incidents involving referees was when then-Devils coach Jim Schoenfeld, angry about officiating in a 1988 playoff game, berated referee Don Koharski, calling him a "fat pig" and telling him to "have another doughnut."

There are two things refs want the average fan to know. One is that they're passionate about hockey. A lot of refs, such as Rody, run power-skating camps over the summer. Many, such as O'Rourke, took up officiating as a way to stay in the game when their playing careers were exhausted. (Though O'Rourke was invited to Edmonton Oilers training camp in 1993, he finished playing in Louisiana in the East Coast League in 1997-98; his first son was born that summer and he wanted stability for his family).

"I hate hearing, 'You guys aren't accountable, you don't care about the game,'" O'Rourke says. "If you don't care about hockey, you're not going to be an official; what a stupid job to take if you don't love the game. You're not going to do this job, when everywhere you go you get kicked in the teeth."

And the other thing fans should know? These days, most NHL refs are terrified of reaching for sugary fried dough -- especially if their coach is watching.

How Much Do NHL Referees Make? (Answered)

The NHL season is a gruelling one as training camps begin in September with the Stanley Cup being hoisted nine months later. While players are flown around the North America on charter flights or in first class, NHL officials slog it out from city to city on commercial airliners and on the highways. They don’t make anywhere near the 2021-22 NHL minimum player salary of $750,000, but are still quite well paid.

NHL referees make between $200,000 and $490,000 USD per season, depending on years of service. They work 73 games during the season. This works out to approximately $2,700 to $6,750 per game. They also earn $27,000 per playoff round and receive dental, medical, and life insurance as well as a pension, travel expenses, and career counseling if needed. 

Do Referees Make More than Linesmen?

NHL referees are paid more than linesmen as an NHL linesman’s average salary is between $137,485 and $284,904 for 74 games in 2021-22 for an average of between $1,858 and $3,850 per contest. The yearly wage then rises to between $141,291 and $292,027 in 2022-23. They’re also paid $17,250 for each playoff round worked.

What are the Differences Between a Hockey Referee and a Linesman?

Other than the pay scale, the major difference between referees and linesmen are their on-ice duties. The NHL uses two referees and two linesmen per game with the referee’s main job being to call penalties and generally control the game while the linesmen drop the puck for most faceoffs, make offside and icing calls and break up altercations.

For certain playoff games there is either one or two standby referees and linesmen for each game in case of illness or injury. A standby referee is paid $2,750 per game and a linesman makes $1,775 if called into service. If they aren’t required, the standby referee is paid $1,000 and the linesman $650.

How Much Do Off-Ice Officials Make? (and what they do)

The NHL also utilizes a host of off-ice officials for each game who perform advisory and administrative duties. These include video goal judges, a game timekeeper, an official scorer, a penalty timekeeper and statisticians.

The video goal judge reviews replays to decide if a goal has been scored legally. The judge decides if a puck has completely crossed the goal line, if the goal was scored before time expired, if the puck was kicked in or directed in by hand, and if the goal was scored by a high stick etc. All goals in the NHL are reviewed either by a video goal judge in the arena or at the NHL’s control room in Toronto.

The official scorer takes care of checking the teams’ rosters and awards goals and assists to players with their decision final. However, they sometimes change a goal or assist after reviewing the play on video.

The penalty timekeeper keeps an official record of penalties assessed during a game and makes sure the correct penalty time is posted on the score clock. He or she also makes sure the players don’t leave the penalty box before their time has been served.

The official game timekeeper is in charge of stopping and starting the game clock and the correct moment and is aided by a stopwatch in case of a malfunction in the clock.

The statisticians record all of the individual and team statistics such as time on ice per player, shots on net and saves etc.

Can NHL Referees get Fired?

Yes, NHL referees and linesmen can be fired for subpar performance and other serious infractions and have 15 days to appeal the decision. They also receive severance pay if fired. According to former long-time NHL official Paul Stewart, hockey officials are evaluated by supervisors and league officiating directors on a regular basis. These supervisors have the power to reward, fine or suspend, and fire officials.

The most recent incident occurred in March, 2021 when 22-year veteran referee Tim Peel was let go after being caught on microphone stating that he wanted to call a penalty against the Nashville Predators during a game against the Detroit Red Wings.

What is the NHL Officials Association?

The National Hockey League Officials’ Association (NHLOA) was formed in 1969 to help improve the salaries, benefits and working conditions of the league’s officials. The association consists of active officials who have signed a contract with the NHL and are working in the NHL or a designated minor league. This union negotiates a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the league with the current one running until 2023.

In November, 1993 the NHLOA went on a 17-day strike while the NHL used replacement officials for the league’s games. This wasn’t a successful solution and it resulted in a new collective bargaining agreement for NHL officials which saw them receive improved playoff, pension, retirement and severance payments.

How Can You Become an NHL Referee?

According to the NHLOA, the best way to become an NHL referee or linesman is to contact your nearest officiating governing body such as USA Hockey or Hockey Canada. Any and all types of officiating experience will help so it’s a good idea to sign on with local minor hockey or recreational leagues as an official if possible.

It’s recommended that you also attend official training camps and schools and take power skating lessons if needed to help in your development. These training camps concentrate on penalty calls, on-ice positioning, and off-ice theory classes. The camps are attended by representatives of professional leagues such as the NHL, American Hockey League (AHL), East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Canadian Major Junior Hockey Leagues (CHL), and USA Hockey associations.

The NHL requires referees to have a high-school diploma or foreign equivalent as well as five years of experience officiating junior and/or minor pro hockey. The league also asks its potential referees to have three years of playing experience at an elite high-school, collegiate, junior or other amateur or pro level.

Also, each summer the NHL holds the NHL Officiating Exposure Combine for current and former players who are interested in becoming officials. This event is aimed towards high-level players and former players who have competed at the college, university, and/or junior hockey level but have no pro experience. If hired, officials typically work their way up the ranks until reaching the pro level. For more information please visit https://secure.nhl.com/nhlexposurecombine

How Many NHL Referees and Linesmen are Hired Each Season?

The NHLOA stated they have 35 full-time referees signed to contracts as well as 35 full-time linesmen. There were also 9 minor-league referees and 6 minor-league linesmen under contract who split their time between AHL and NHL.

The NHL doesn’t hire many officials on a yearly basis since most of them enjoy relatively long careers in the league. However, when an official retires or suffers a long-term injury a replacement is needed. An official or two may also be hired when the league has expanded to include a new franchise. However, in 2021, three referees and five linesmen were promoted from being AHL/NHL officials to full-time NHL officials and 11 new officials were hired to replace them.

Learn how much NHL players make here.

Ian is an experienced ice hockey writer with a passion for the game. He has been covering hockey for over 25 years and has contributed to various publications. He covers all aspects of the sport, from NHL rules to in-depth analysis of the game as well as previews. Ian is also an avid fan who attends numerous games and has played hockey regularly since moving to Canada at the age of 10.

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How Much Money Do NHL Referees Make?

Ice hockey, with its fast-paced action and physical play, relies heavily on referees to ensure fair play and uphold the rules of the game. From local rinks to the grand stage of the National Hockey League (NHL), referees play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the sport. However, the compensation for NHL referees can vary based on several factors, including experience, level of competition, and additional responsibilities.

Understanding the Levels

NHL Referees

At the pinnacle of ice hockey officiating are NHL referees, who oversee the highest level of competition in the sport. These officials are responsible for enforcing the rules during NHL games, including regular season matchups and playoff contests. NHL referees earn salaries commensurate with their experience and tenure in the league, with the potential to earn significant compensation.

AHL and Other Professional Leagues

Before reaching the NHL, many referees gain experience by officiating in lower-tier professional leagues such as the American Hockey League (AHL) or ECHL. While salaries in these leagues may be lower than those in the NHL, they still offer competitive compensation packages. AHL referees typically earn salaries ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 per season, depending on experience and assignments.

Junior and Amateur Levels

At the junior and amateur levels of hockey, referees are often compensated on a per-game basis. Salaries for these officials can vary widely based on the league, geographic location, and level of competition. Junior hockey referees may earn anywhere from $50 to $150 per game, while those officiating at lower levels of amateur hockey may receive even less.

International Competitions

Refereeing international hockey competitions, such as the IIHF World Championships or Olympic Games, can offer referees the opportunity to earn additional income. While exact figures are not readily available, these assignments often come with per diem allowances, travel expenses, and match fees, providing referees with a lucrative opportunity to showcase their skills on the global stage.

Factors Influencing NHL Referee Salaries

Experience and Tenure

Like players, NHL referees' salaries can increase with experience and tenure in the league. Veteran referees who have officiated numerous NHL games and playoff series often command higher salaries than their less experienced counterparts.

Performance and Evaluations

NHL referees are subject to regular evaluations and assessments of their on-ice performance. Referees who consistently demonstrate strong judgment, communication skills, and rule enforcement may be eligible for salary increases and bonuses.

Additional Responsibilities

Some NHL referees may take on additional responsibilities, such as serving as mentors or instructors for younger officials, which can result in additional compensation. These roles recognize referees' contributions to the development and training of future officiating talent within the league.

Career Path and Advancement

Becoming an NHL referee requires dedication, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the game. Many referees begin their careers officiating youth and amateur hockey games before progressing through the ranks to officiate at higher levels of competition. While the path to becoming an NHL referee can be challenging, it offers the opportunity for a rewarding and fulfilling career in professional sports officiating.

The compensation for NHL referees reflects the demanding nature of the job and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game. While salaries can vary based on experience, level of competition, and additional responsibilities, officiating hockey at any level offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to be part of one of the world's most exciting sports. For those passionate about hockey and committed to excellence in officiating, a career as an NHL referee can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.

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How Much Do NHL Refs Make? NHL Referee Salary in 2023

Ever wondered how much money an NHL referee makes? For all that abuse and the high stress that comes with the job, is it worth it when payday comes?

As a professional sports league, the NHL is known for its high player salaries and multimillion-dollar franchises. But do the referees get in on this big-dollar sport? How much do refs make per game? How many games do they referee per season? What's the yearly salary for NHL referees? Do linesmen and referees make the same amount of money? 

This article will crunch the numbers on hockey referee salaries.

Table of Contents

How much does an NHL referee get paid?

The average NHL referee's yearly salary ranges from $165,000 to $400,000. The pay level will primarily depend on their seniority and experience, and bonuses are given to those officiating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

How much does an NHL ref get paid per game?

NHL referees make between $1,500 and $5,000 per game they officiate. Referees can officiate up to three or four games per week and 70+ games a season, so their annual salary is estimated to fall between $165,000 and $400,000. 

These numbers have changed over the years, and firm current monetary data is difficult to access. The salaries also rise over time. Referees who have accumulated decades of experience in the league can make a lot of money.

Linesmen earn less than referees, so let's review what they make.

What does an NHL linesman make?

The pay for linesmen is  slightly lower  than the average salary of an NHL referee. Still, it sits at a salary range of $110,000 to $235,000. Their duties are more straightforward than the referees, so they get paid less.

Linesmen stand at the blue line, responsible for making calls related to the red and blue lines , such as  icing  and offside. This is where the term linesman comes from. They monitor the lines.

They also have another primary responsibility – to break up fights between players.

What do NHL referees and linesmen do?

Employment as a hockey referee is a thankless job. But, fortunately for the refs and linesman, they are  well paid  for their duties.

The referees are responsible for policing the hockey game. They call penalties, goals, and whistle downplay for stoppages. They also drop the puck for face-offs that begin a  period  or follow a goal.

The referees wear black and white  striped sweaters  with orange armbands around each bicep.

Linesmen  are another on-ice hockey official whose duties differ from the referee. They are responsible for policing plays involving blue and red lines, such as offsides and icing.

Linesmen may report penalties to the referees in most leagues, although this is a rarity. They also drop the puck after offside and  icing  plays.

The linesmen are also recognizable for wearing black and white striped sweaters without orange armbands.

These duties occur very quickly in an NHL game, so NHL referees and linesmen face a difficult task. Players, fans, and coaches also ridicule them, so life as a referee isn't easy.

A "good night" for a referee is one where they are hardly noticed. This means they've done an excellent job.

Referees are also required to travel frequently to new destinations for games. They aren't associated with any particular NHL team or arena , so they officiate games around North America.

Is being an NHL ref a full-time job?

Absolutely. NHL referees can end up officiating over 70 games a year. While a hockey game is only three hours long, working out to about 210 hours of actual officiating time a year, the travel is extensive, taking up a significant amount of their time.

Does the NHL pay for the ref’s travel?

Although NHL referees are responsible for booking their hotels and flights to and from games, the NHL reimburses the referees for their travel expenses, frequently receiving regular stipends.

How Are NHL Referees Paid in the Playoffs?

Although NHL players do not make a salary in the playoffs, officials do. Referees can earn up to $27,000 per round and linesmen $17,250 per round. This bonus can be a  higher   rate  than their salary – especially when they're selected for additional post-season assignments.

Typically, only the league's most veteran and best-rated officials get to serve in the playoffs – and this number dwindles as the NHL reaches the  Stanley Cup  Finals match-up. 

Bonuses are likely escalating as well, with a ref officiating the conference final making more than one who officiating the quarter-finals, for example.

How are NHL refs scheduled?

Refs get assigned to particular games by the commissioner of the league. Because there is two linesman and two referees per game, they are paired up and officiate that game together. However, they rarely ref consecutive games with the same partner, making for a gruelling travel schedule. 

Who is the highest-paid NHL referee?

While there is no official list of NHL referee salaries, if I go by experience, I would say that the highest annual salary belongs to Dan O'Rourke or Marc Joannette.

O'Rourke and Joannette have been officials in the National Hockey League since 1999. Both have been reffing playoff games since the mid-2000s. This is a relatively safe assumption considering salary depends on things like game experience and years in the league.

Who is the most famous NHL referee?

It would be hard to argue against Wes McCauley being the most famous NHL referee at this time. McCauley has a ton of experience and has reffed every Stanley Cup final since 2013, besides two in which he was injured.

Often known for some of the best goal and penalty announcements in the league, here is one of his best below.

However, Bill McCreary is a close runner-up. He reffed a total of 1737 games before retiring in 2011. He came just shy of reffing 300 playoff games, coming in at 297.

Mick McGeough was another famous referee who passed away unexpectedly in 2018. He was often vocal, controversial, and recognized as the NHL referee who never wore a helmet. Probably most notable for what many called the "helicopter," he would frantically wave off goals.

How Much Do Amateur Referees Get Paid?

As you might expect,  amateur referees  get paid much less than professional NHL referees.

Officials who ref minor league games and recreational hockey leagues get paid between $30 and $75 per game, usually over a 75-minute ice time. Minor-league officials can often make more money by reffing multiple games a day.

College hockey refs, on the other hand, are well compensated, potentially making upwards of $400 a game.

Minor leagues typically utilize either a two-ref system, where both operate as a ref and a linesman, or a 1-and-1 system, with one ref and one linesman.

Professional hockey is obviously a faster game, so they employ two referees and two linesmen per game. At the professional level, an NHL referee is also expected to intervene in more violent affairs on the ice.

How much does an AHL referee make?

On average, an AHL referee will make anywhere from $75,000 - $100,000 refereeing a game. Regarding the East Coast Hockey League, I found no data highlighting what their officials make. 

But, judging by the gap between the NHL and AHL, I expect it to be under $50,000 a year.

Referees work a thankless job

Being an NHL referee is the top level of hockey refereeing and a fiercely competitive field. A difficult, high-pressure job where the refs must make quick decisions in stadiums full of thousands of passionate fans and pent-up players.

Before NHL officials went on strike in 1993, the refs and linesmen made just $50,000 to start, with veterans over ten years making $80,000.

Accounting for inflation, the pay is significantly higher now – but the job is perhaps more demanding.

With high-speed camera playback, every decision is scrutinized – meaning everyone sees inaccurate calls.

"You don't know pressure until you've stood in the middle of a sold-out arena, filled with screaming fans and NHL superstars, on national TV, all expecting  YOU  to make the  correct  decision in the  blink of an eye  without any slow-motion replay or multiple angles; where  no matter  the outcome  50%  of people will disagree and hate you."  Former NHL Ref

How to Become an NHL Referee?

Becoming a referee in the NHL is no easy feat. It requires years of work and dedication to the sport. And even then, that might not be enough.

As someone who worked their way up from the  very bottom  (freezing cold 6AM peewee games on Saturday mornings), I can tell you firsthand it's  incredibly difficult  to get hired by the NHL as a referee.

Former NHL Ref  Mathew Wilson

Most referees have played the sport for many years and then decide to switch to refereeing in their spare time or pursue it as a career as they gain more experience.

Pro-level referees are put through rigorous training camps for physical fitness to keep up with the play.

However, being a referee at its heart is about knowing the rule book by heart and making quick but crucially fair decisions in the heat of the moment.

Final thoughts

Most amateur referees in minor leagues are paid on a per-game basis, the pay for which is usually determined by the local area or association. Pay can vary from $0 to $120 per game.

NHL referees make a lot more, $165,000 and $360,000 per year but have to put in many years of work just for a slight chance to get to that level of play.

About the author

Growing up in a hockey hotbed (Calgary, Alberta. And yes, I'm an Oiler fan), I decided to put my love and knowledge of the game to work. I started at five and am still playing today into my early 30s. By acquiring Brave Stick Hockey and rebranding it to Big Shot Hockey in 2023, I plan to teach people about this great game and educate them on the best equipment and history of the game. On a career level, I am in finance, running one of the largest financial websites in Canada, Stocktrades.ca.

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Become a Referee

The first step to becoming an official is to approach your local officiating governing body, i.e. Canada (Hockey Canada), USA (USA Hockey), or your local league office. This will put you in contact with other officials to set you on your way.

The next step is to get out there and “just do it”. Experience is the key to your success. Any game experience is invaluable, regardless of the level of hockey played. Progression to better games comes in time. ANY game is a good game to officiate. You will inevitably draw from all your experiences and grow as a well rounded official.

Training is available to you by way of official training schools and camps as well as power skating sessions in both Canada and The USA These are key factors in your development as they will give you the technical skill set needed. Many of the people who instruct, are current or former officials in the NHL, who have been students at these very same training camps and schools.

Some of the topics that are emphasized include, on ice positioning, signals, penalty calling, skating skills, and off ice theory sessions to give you a sense of the game

Present at these official’s schools are representatives of leagues such as the NHL, AHL, ECHL, Canadian Major Junior Hockey Leagues, and USA Hockey associations. These representatives are there to help develop and encourage young officials to further their careers in officiating.

Make no mistake about it, fitness is a key factor in your success as an official, Fitness is measured and monitored closely by the league to ensure the staff are ready and able to do the job, game in and game out.

Remember, whether you are a first time official, have some experience, or are looking to officiate after or during a playing career (at any level). The key to your success is you. You need to get out there and just do it

HOCKEY CANADA OFFICIATING PROGRAM For more info on how to get started with Hockey Canada, click here: https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/hockey-programs/officiating/how-to-get-started

USA HOCKEY OFFICIATING PROGRAM For more info on how to get started with USA Hockey, click here: http://www.usahockey.com/officials

NHL OFFICIATING AMATEUR EXPOSURE COMBINE Looking for a way to earn a living in the NHL? The NHL is holding every summer an NHL Officiating Exposure Combine for current and former hockey players looking to stay in the game, while learning a different side of hockey. Officiating is a fast-paced, high-energy profession with the best view in the arena for games and is in need of great athletes to serve the game as officials. The Combine’s focus is on high level hockey players with little or no officiating experience. The Combine is accepting ex-college (D1, DII, DIII), University (CIS) and Junior hockey players or with or without any professional experience. Several attendees have been hired by the NHL as officials in the past few years. For more information on this program, please click on the link below.

https://secure.nhl.com/nhlexposurecombine/

ECHL officials to officiate at NHL Prospects Games

The ECHL announced on Wednesday that referees Chazz Knoche and Rocco Stachowiak and linesmen Kyle Gaspari and Quinn Schafer, along with Director of Officiating Operations Riley Yerkovich, will work the NHL Prospect Games 2024 in Traverse City, Michigan on Sept. 14 and 15. This marks the 13th consecutive tournament that ECHL officials have worked games.   Debuting in 1988, this year’s NHL Prospect Games will feature a pair of games between the Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings.   “The ECHL Officiating Team is honored to continue to work the NHL Traverse City Prospect Games,” Yerkovich said. “This event has long been a significant opportunity for our officials to showcase their skills and skate alongside tomorrow's NHL stars. We are grateful to the Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings for their continued participation and support. Thank you to the teams, organizers and staff at Centre Ice Arena for making this experience possible.”   There were 40 former ECHL officials who worked as part of the NHL officiating team in 2023-24 with referees Riley Brace, Jake Brenk, Francis Charron, Tom Chmielewski, Mitch Dunning, Trevor Hanson, Beau Halkidis, Ghislain Hebert, Jean Hebert, Pierre Lambert, T.J. Luxmore, Peter MacDougall, Morgan MacPhee, Michael Markovic, Wes McCauley, Jon McIsaac, Dan O’Rourke, Brian Pochmara, Kevin Pollock, Kyle Rehman, Chris Rooney, Carter Sandlak, Graham Skilliter, Furman South, Justin St. Pierre and linesmen Steve Barton, Ryan Daisy, Julien Fournier, Brandon Gawryletz, Brandon Grillo, Mitchell Hunt, Trent Knorr, Matt MacPherson, Jesse Marquis, Kilian McNamara, Bevin Mills, C.J. Murray, Kory Nagy, Ben O’Quinn and Bryan Pancich.   About the ECHL   Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 29 teams in 22 states and one Canadian province for its 37th season in 2024-25. There have been 752 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including 12 who have made their NHL debuts in the 2023-24 season . The ECHL has affiliations with 29 of the 32 NHL teams in 2024-25, marking the 27th consecutive season that the league has affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com .

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Typhoon Bebinca slams Shanghai, China, sparking evacuation of more than 400,000 people

September 16, 2024 / 11:32 AM EDT / CBS/AP

Taipei, Taiwan  — The strongest typhoon to hit Shanghai since at least 1949 flooded roads with water and broken tree branches, knocked out power to some homes and injured at least one person as it swept over the financial hub Monday. More than 414,000 people had been evacuated ahead of Typhoon Bebinca's arrival with powerful winds and torrential rain. Schools were closed and people were advised to stay indoors.

One elderly man was injured by a falling tree on Shanghai's Chongming Island, according to state media. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Typhoon Bebinca made landfall around 7:30 a.m. in the sprawling Pudong business district with winds of 94 mph near its center. Torrential rains flooded roads in the district, according to images broadcast by state media. Elsewhere in Shanghai, uprooted trees and fallen branches blanketed some roads and sidewalks.

As the typhoon eased, responders cleared branches and other objects blown around by the storm.

More than 60,000 emergency responders and firefighters were on hand to lend aid in Shanghai.

Authorities said winds uprooted or damaged more than 10,000 trees and knocked out power to at least 380 households, damaging four houses.

At least 132 acres of farmland were flooded.

The typhoon weakened as it moved inland, dousing parts of Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang provinces.

Flights, ferries and train services had been suspended in the megacity and in neighboring provinces, disrupting travel during China 's three-day Mid-Autumn Festival. Shanghai's airports canceled hundreds of flights Sunday and into Monday, while in Hangzhou, about 106 miles southwest of Shanghai, authorities also canceled more than 180 flights.

Flights at Shanghai's airports resumed Monday afternoon as the storm moved away.

Weather authorities expected Shanghai and parts of neighboring provinces to receive up to 12 inches of rainfall between Monday and Wednesday.

Shanghai, which has 25 million people, is rarely hit by typhoons, which usually make landfall further south in China.

Typhoon Yagi hit China's southern Hainan island earlier this month and has caused devastation in Southeast Asia. In Myanmar, Yagi caused at least 74 deaths with dozens missing. Four deaths were reported in Hainan, at least 10 have died in Thailand and 20 in the Philippines. Vietnam has reported more than 230 people killed in the typhoon and subsequent flooding and landslides, with dozens more still missing.

Before that, Typhoon Shanshan weakened to a tropical storm before it hit Japan, but it still brought torrential rains that snarled travel and was blamed for at least a handful of deaths.

Storms like Typhoon Bebinca are getting stronger and less predictable due to  climate change , primarily because warmer oceans provide more energy to fuel the severe weather , according to climatologists.

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Crime Reports Defy Russian Claims of Greater Calm in Chechnya

By Michael Wines

• April 14, 2003

Statistics that came to light today about violence in the Russian republic of Chechnya and related crime reports detail a parade of disappearances, killings and beatings that run contrary to Russian government assertions that life in Chechnya is slowly returning to normal.

The civilian murder rate in Chechnya is at least two to three times as high as in Moscow and the abduction rate is almost double the murder rate, according to the previously unreleased statistics compiled by the region's pro-Moscow government.

The statistics do not include deaths in the region's low-level guerrilla war, in which roughly a dozen to two dozen Russian fighters and an unknown number of antigovernment guerrillas die each week.

The crime statistics, ostensibly public information but never formally released, were provided by a person close to the pro-Moscow government who disagrees with the government's assertions.

Chechnya's pro-Russian leader, Akhmad Kadyrov, is reported to have begun circulating similar reports in high levels of the Russian government in an effort to win support for reining in the patchwork of militias, special police forces and military units operating there.

According to the reports, 70 murders of civilians were recorded in Chechnya in the first two months of 2003. That translates to an annual murder rate of 38 to 60 killings per 100,000 Chechnya residents, depending on the republic's population. By comparison, the murder rate in Moscow is about 18 per 100,000 residents.

Russia's recent census placed Chechnya's population at nearly 1.1 million, but many experts place the actual number closer to 700,000.

During the same two months, the Chechen report states, there were 126 abductions, 19 reports of missing persons and the discovery of 52 ''fragments of bodies.''

A separate tally from the republic's emergencies ministry records the unearthing of the bodies of 2,879 civilians in apparently unmarked graves in 49 locales, ranging from the discovery of 699 bodies in the village of Goyskoye to one or two dead in places like the former Soviet Collective Dairy Farm No. 15 and the hamlet of Orekhovo.

The data is presented without comment, making it impossible to determine how the civilians died or who might have killed them.

In recent months, the Russian government has claimed to have all but wiped out organized guerrilla resistance within Chechnya and has said it is beginning a large-scale program to restore life in the region to normal. Many thousands of refugees in nearby Ingushetia are being prodded to return, sometimes under protest. The government said Chechens voted overwhelmingly in favor of a pro-Russian constitution re-establishing civil rule in Chechnya in a referendum in late March.

In an interview today, Oleg Orlov, an official of Memorial, a Russian human rights group, said that his organization had seen the crime reports and that the data, while accurate, failed to include a number of crimes documented by rights workers in the same two-month period.

Taken as a whole, he said, the reports ''describe a region where there is a guerrilla war in full swing, with all the accompanying horrors.''

''In my view,'' said Mr. Orlov, ''this region is, unfortunately, not on the path to peace.''

For that, he said, both Russian and guerrilla fighters are responsible, for both have engaged in crimes and acts of retribution that have kept a low-level war seething long after the major conflict had ended.

A sheaf of individual crime reports provided with the statistics suggests as much. The reports briefly describe scores of incidents in late 2002 and early 2003, some of which bear the earmarks of Russian military forces, and others suggesting activity by guerrillas or criminals.

On Feb. 2, for example, the Chechen police were told that 15 to 20 men in camouflage and masks and riding in armored personnel carriers burst into a house in Grozny's Staropromyslovsky District at 3:20 a.m. and abducted a 30-year-old man.

Two more armored vehicles, again carrying men in camouflage and masks, carted away another 30-year-old man in Grozny's Zavodsky district the next night.

Such disappearances are an almost nightly occurrence in Chechnya. The use of armored vehicles, which are all but unavailable to guerrillas, points to abductions by the Russian or Chechen military, human rights workers say.

But guerrillas also appear to engage in kidnappings, as on Feb. 5, when unidentified men in Russian jeeps broke into a house in Pervomayskaya, outside Grozny, and took away two brothers.

The United States has frequently criticized Russia's conduct of the war in Chechnya, citing reports linking pro-Russian forces to human rights abuses. But the State Department said on Friday that it would break with past practice and decline to sponsor a resolution criticizing Russia when the Chechnya conflict comes before the United Nations Human Rights Commission this week.

An official of the monitoring group Human Rights Watch called the decision ''shameful'' and charged that American officials had ''muted their own moral clarity.''

A State Department spokesman said that the United States had yet to decide whether it would vote in favor of a resolution censuring Russia, but that it believed that the s referendum last month on re-establishing civil rule in the republic offered at least a chance for progress toward a political solution to the conflict.

Around the World With The Times

Our reporters across the globe take you into the field..

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Slovakian Leader Targets Enemies: Returning to work after being shot , Prime Minister Robert Fico has purged prosecutors, cultural officials, journalists and others he believes fueled “hatred and aggression” against him.

’Rupture’ in French Politics:  President Emmanuel Macron’s newly picked prime minister wasted no time in putting a pointed distance between himself and France’s weakened leader .

Mexican Judicial Overhaul:   Nearly all judges in Mexico could soon be elected . Legislation passed by Congress could produce one of the most far-reaching judicial overhauls in any major democracy.

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Today’s NHL Referees and Linespersons – 6/21/24

Jun 21, 2024 | Tonight's Officials: NHL

Back from Games 2 and 4 are tonight’s officiating crew:  

Stanley Cup Final Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers Game 6 – 8:00 PM EST

Referees Jean Hebert and Chris Rooney are working together for the fourth time this postseason.  They joined forces for EDM/VAN Game 7 (EDM W 3-2) in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs before working together in the Conference Final, where they handled EDM/FLA Game 2 (FLA W 4-1) and EDM/FLA Game 4 (EDM W 8-1)

Jean Hebert was paired up with Garrett Rank early in the playoffs, with the duo working NYI/CAR Game 1, TOR/BOS Game 2, FLA/TBL Game 4 (FLA L 6-3) , VGK/DAL Game 5, and VAN/NSH Game 6 in the opening round. 

They went on to officiate BOS/FLA Game 2 (FLA W 6-1) , NYR/CAR Game 4, COL/DAL Game 5, and VAN/EDM Game 6 (EDM W 5-1) in Round 2. 

In the Conference Final, Hebert and Rank handled EDM/DAL Game 2 (EDM L 2-1) , NYR/FLA Game 4 (FLA W 3-2 OT) , and DAL/EDM Game 6 (EDM W 2-1; series-winner) .

The Edmonton Oilers are 3-3 this postseason with Hebert; the Florida Panthers are 3-2. 

Chris Rooney worked the opening round with Peter MacDougall, officiating VGK/DAL Game 2, EDM/LAK Game 3 (EDM W 6-1) , and WPG/COL Game 4.  He also skated with referee Dan O’Rourke for BOS/TOR Game 6.

He was paired up with ref Graham Skilliter in Round 2, working BOS/FLA Game 1 (FLA L 5-1) , NYR/CAR Game 3, VAN/EDM Game 3 (EDM L 4-3) , and DAL/COL Game 6.

Rooney skated alongside Francois St. Laurent in the Conference Finals at FLA/NYR Game 2 (FLA L 2-1 OT) , DAL/EDM Game 4 (EDM W 5-2) , and NYR/FLA Game 6 (FLA W 2-1; series winner) . 

Edmonton has gone 4-2 with Rooney this postseason; Florida is 2-3.

Standby Officials: Steve Kozari (#40), Jonny Murray (#95) Officiating Supervisor: Kris King  

  Stats have been updated through the end of the 2023-24 regular season. 

      Games: PS (Preseason); RS (Regular Season); PO (Playoffs) 

Number in orange/parentheses indicated referee’s rank among active officials.

* Penalty Differential represents the absolute value of the variance of penalty calls by team per game. If Team A takes two more penalties (or two fewer) than Team B, this is a 2.  Lower numbers indicate less variance between total penalties in a game – that is, a closer number of calls for both teams. 

NHL Referees, Linespersons Set For 2024 Stanley Cup Final

We’ve got new rules , new refs , promoted refs , and an updated pronunciation guide for 2023-24.

Here is the NHL’s officating roster for the 2023-24 season: 

NHL Officials – 2023-24

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Pervomayskaya Administration

Pervomayskaya geography.

Geographic Information regarding City of Pervomayskaya .

Pervomayskaya Distance

Distance (in kilometers) between Pervomayskaya and the biggest cities of Russia.

Pervomayskaya Map

Locate simply the city of Pervomayskaya through the card, map and satellite image of the city.

Pervomayskaya Nearby cities and villages

Pervomayskaya weather.

Weather forecast for the next coming days and current time of Pervomayskaya.

Pervomayskaya Sunrise and sunset

Find below the times of sunrise and sunset calculated 7 days to Pervomayskaya.

Pervomayskaya Hotel

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Pervomayskaya Nearby

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