Former NHL Referee Named AJHL Director of Officiating

Press Release

The AJHL is tapping into years of on-ice and off-ice experience by naming Paul Stewart as its first Director of Officiating. Stewart also serves as the Director of Officiating for ECAC Hockey (NCAA Division I).

Stewart served as an on-ice referee from 1983 through 2003, including 17 years in the National Hockey League (NHL), where, in 2003, he became the first American-born official to referee 1,000 NHL games. After his retirement as an active on-ice official in 2003, Stewart served as supervisor/coach of the NHL Officials Development Program, observing young officials in more than 200 NHL/American Hockey League contests.

In addition to his officiating experience, Stewart has a wealth of experience as a player. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Stewart competed in the ECAC from 1973-75 and then enjoyed a professional career that included the NHL and World Hockey Association (WHA) including affiliated minor leagues spanning 1975 through 1983.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)