How many refs are on the ice in a hockey game? - Project Sports
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How many refs are on the ice in a hockey game?

6 min read

Asked by: Mike Damndjperiod

two refereestwo referees and two linesmen.

How many officials are required for a hockey match?

A hockey umpire has the authority to make decisions during a match in accordance with the laws of the game. Each hockey match is controlled by two umpires.

When did the NHL go to 2 referees?

1998-99The

The opportunity to “tag-up” and return into the zone has been removed. 1998-99The league instituted a two-referee system with each team to play 20 regular-season games with two referees and a pair of linesmen. Goal line moved to 13 feet from end boards.

What is an NHL referee salary?

Regular season salaries depend on years of service in the NHL. First year officials start at just over $200,000 for referees and $137,000 for linesmen, increasing each year. A 15-year referee would earn $430,000 this season, while a linesman with 15 years of service would draw $228,000.

What officials are there in hockey?

An umpire in field hockey is a person with the authority to make decisions on a hockey pitch in accordance with the rules of the game. Each match is controlled by two such umpires.

What is the icing rule in hockey?

Icing is when a player on his team’s side of the red center line shoots the puck all the way down the ice and it crosses the red goal line at any point (other than the goal). Icing is not permitted when teams are at equal strength or on the power play.

How many refs are in the NHL total?

Current NHLOA Staff. The NHLOA currently consists of 35 full time referees and 35 full time linesmen. In addition, we have 10 minor league referees and 6 minor league linesmen who split their time between the NHL and the AHL.

When did the NHL start having 4 referees?

The four-official system (or two-referee system) was first introduced in 1998-99 on a trial basis and fully implemented as of the 2000-01 NHL season. Prior to that, the NHL worked with one referee and 2 linesmen for nearly 60 years.

What is the Gretzky rule?

The Gretzky rule



Gretzky held a press conference one day after being awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy, criticizing the NHL for punishing teams and players who previously benefited. The rule change became known as the “Gretzky rule.” The rule was reversed for the 1992–93 season.

How many refs and linesmen are there in an NHL game?

The National Hockey League (NHL) currently employs four on-ice officials in each game—two referees and two linesmen. Referees are identified by their red or orange armbands.

How do you ref a hockey game?

Often for the first time. You use your voice use your body language and those types of things but the whistle ultimately ends.

Do NHL referees travel?

Referees and linesmen have individual schedules, rarely working consecutive games with the same crew members. The travel can be a burden, no matter how accustomed you are to it, Devorski said. “For me personally, I like traveling on my own,” he said. “I’m on my own schedule and I prefer that.

Do NHL refs wear pads?

Almost all (if not all) officials therefore do wear padding under their uniform. Per the National Hockey League Official’s Association website: They are protected by pads that cover the shins, calf muscles, knees, hips, thighs, hamstrings, elbows, lower back, and kidneys.

How many games do NHL referees work?

73 games

NHL referees work 73 games per season, and linesmen work 75. Therefore if you do some math, officials make about between $2,500-$5,000 per game.

Are NHL referees full time?

NHL referees are full-time employees of the National Hockey League. Since they are full time employees, they are salaried and receive benefits. They also receive travel stipends.

Do refs get paid off?

According to a collective bargaining agreement struck between the NFL and referees to end a lockout in 2012, the compensation for game officials was to reach $205,000 per year in 2019. Not bad for half a year of work.

How much do NHL ice crew make?

$42,879. How accurate does $42,879 look to you? Your input helps Glassdoor refine our pay estimates over time.

How much do NHL off ice officials make?

The national average salary for an Off-Ice Official is $52,522 per year in United States. Filter by location to see an Off-Ice Official salaries in your area.

How much do Zamboni drivers make NHL?

According to reported salary estimates on job posting sites, the average Zamboni driver salary is around $13 per hour, or $26,500 (USD) annually. Top earners, such as NHL Zamboni drivers, earn a salary range from $29,000-$31,000, per ZipRecruiter.

Which referees make the most money?

Compared to their peers in the NFL, NHL and MLB, NBA referees‘ salaries are among the best. NFL referees make an average of $205,000; MLB umpires rake in as much as $450,000; NHL referees earn approximately $262,500 on average.

Who is the highest paid player in the NHL?

Connor McDavid

1. Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers – $16 million salary. Connor McDavid is the highest-paid ice hockey center in the NHL, with a salary of $16 million.

What’s the lowest paid NHL player?

The current bargaining agreement between the NHL and the players started out in 2012 is set to expire after the 2021-22.



Year Minimum Salary
2025-26 $800,000 USD
2024-25 $775,000 USD
2023-24 $750,000 USD
2022-23 $750,000 USD

What is the lowest paid NHL player?

$750,000

The NHL’s minimum wage is scheduled to increase in the coming years reaching $650,-2018, $700,-2020, and $750,000 in 2021-2022. The maximum player salary shall remain at 20% of team salary cap during this span.

Do NHL players buy their own sticks?

It’s not uncommon for NHL players to use a new stick every game and their teams pay for them — an average of about $200 per stick, which is about $100 less than they cost in a sports store. The regular season is 82 games — not including practices — so the stick bill for NHL teams can get very expensive.

How much do NHL skates cost?

Skates, which cost $700 per pair, are equally customizable. “Your skates and your stick are the most important part of your equipment,” Davidson-Adams said. “These guys have to have full control because this is what wins championships — skates and sticks. If you can’t skate and you can’t shoot, you can’t do much.”

Do NHL players get their own hotel room?

Teams stay at the same hotel in each NHL city. Players and coaches are not allowed to enter each other’s rooms. There’s assigned seating at meals with tables spread out to ensure proper distancing.