OFFICIATING
Know the game. Make the call.
RESPECT THE STRIPESWithout Officials, There Is No Game
California hockey depends on trained, committed officials. They skate every shift, make difficult decisions in real time, manage player safety, and serve the game because they care about hockey.
Compete hard, accept decisions, and speak respectfully.
Lead by example and use the proper process for questions or concerns.
Support the athletes. Do not target, intimidate, or verbally abuse officials.
Create a safe environment where new and experienced officials can develop.
The Path to the NHL
Celebrating NHL officials with verified California roots and training connections. Meet the people who took their place on hockey’s biggest stage.
Thor Nelson
CALIFORNIA BORNBorn in Westminster, California
A 20-season NHL officiating career, with assignments at the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2004 NHL All-Star Game.
View NHLOA Profile California connection source
Brandon Gawryletz
CALIFORNIA TRAINEDCalifornia Referee School alumnus
Made his NHL debut in 2015 and worked the 2024 NHL All-Star Game. Born in Trail, British Columbia, with a training connection to California.
View NHLOA Profile California connection sourceFeatured profiles include active and retired NHL officials. California birth and California training are identified separately. Photos and career profiles: NHL Officials Association. Reviewed September 2026.
CAHA-Recognized Officials Associations
These three organizations support officiating development, education, scheduling, and game coverage throughout California.
Los Angeles Hockey Officials Association
LAHOA supports the development and assignment of hockey officials throughout the greater Los Angeles region.
Visit LAHOA
San Diego Hockey Referee Association
SDHRA serves the San Diego hockey community through officiating education, development, and game assignments.
Visit SDHRA
Northern California Hockey Officials Association
NORHOA provides education, development, and officiating support to hockey communities throughout Northern California.
Visit NORHOACalifornia and Pacific District Contacts
Use this directory to connect with statewide leadership, local officials associations, and USA Hockey Pacific District officiating coordinators.
State and Local Association Contacts
Brett Martin
Matt Zucker
Louis Magnifico
Bill Palter
Scott Morton
District Officiating Contacts
Dan Ellison
2135 Venice St\nSan Diego, CA 92107
Scott Workman
Calley Brandon-Laux
Randy Meyer
5725 Capilano Dr\nSan Jose, CA 95138-2364
Teresa Owens
Jessica Jones
Abuse Is Not Part of Hockey
Disagreement does not justify harassment, threats, personal attacks, or intimidation. Officials, including many teenagers and first-year referees, deserve a safe environment in every rink.
CAHA expects players, coaches, parents, spectators, and team personnel to treat officials with dignity and respect before, during, and after every game.
Cheer for your team.
Respect every participant.
Use the proper channels.
Let officials do their job.
Official Resources in One Place
A clean, organized library of the rules, manuals, education tools, and registration information officials use most.
USA Hockey Rules & Resources Center
Open the official source for the current rulebook, casebook, manuals, interpretations, and program updates.
California Hockey Officials, Inc. (CHO)
A nonprofit resource helping California officials enter, stay in, and advance through the game with equipment assistance, development scholarships, camps, and college support.
Know the Standard
Current playing rules, casebook guidance, rule changes, and practical interpretations.
Build Your Craft
Mechanics, positioning, judgment, communication, and development materials for every level.
Get Game Ready
Annual registration steps, membership policies, required education, and eligibility information.
Stay Connected
Forms, downloads, national program information, and additional officiating resources.
These links open official USA Hockey pages, so officials always reach the current version of each resource.
Respect and Officiating Resources
Articles and resources about official retention, sportsmanship, and the impact of abuse on the game.
Respecting Officials
Practical ways athletes, coaches, and families can show respect for officials.
Read Article → USA HOCKEYMaking Officiating Fun Again
A look at how adult behavior affects referee recruitment and retention.
Read Article → USA HOCKEYCurbing Abuse of Officials
How hockey organizations are working to report and address abuse.
Read Article → NFHSStop Criticizing Officials
A direct message about the effect spectator behavior has on officials.
Read Article →Become a USA Hockey Official
Stay connected to hockey, improve your skating and game knowledge, build leadership skills, and give back to the sport. New officials are needed throughout California.
- Flexible scheduling
- Training and advancement opportunities
- Earn income while staying involved in hockey
- Support player safety and fair competition
Matt Zucker
Manager of On-Ice Officials
Matt supports statewide officiating standards, development, communication, and coordination across California hockey.
Have a Rules Question?
Send a question about USA Hockey rules, interpretations, mechanics, or officiating. Your message will go directly to the CAHA Officials team.
Respect is not optional.