Pathways In
How Officials Reach the CHL
Referees and linespeople have their own development pyramid. The climb from minor hockey to the CHL mirrors the player path, just less visible.
Every CHL game uses two referees and two linespeople (the four-official system). All of them came up through a development pyramid that mirrors the player side, just less visible.
The minor hockey climb
Officials start by registering with their provincial branch (Hockey Canada Officiating Program in Canada, USA Hockey Officiating in the U.S.) and pass annual exams and on-ice evaluations. They begin with house-league games and progress through age groups and competitive levels: rep hockey, AAA, then junior B and junior A.
Getting to the CHL
CHL leagues hire officials each summer through training camps and supervisor recommendations. Promising junior B and junior A officials get scouted and invited. The CHL leagues each manage their own officiating department, with a director of officiating, supervisors who attend games, and standard evaluations after every assignment.
Life in the role
- Most CHL officials are part-time and contracted by their league per game.
- Officials travel almost as much as players, often by themselves.
- Game fees vary by league and role, with referees paid more than linespeople.
- Off-ice work includes video review, fitness testing, and rule update sessions.
Where they go next
Top CHL officials can be invited to the NHL Officiating Combine, which feeds the AHL and ultimately the NHL officiating ranks. Many of today's NHL referees and linespeople worked CHL games for years. Others move into supervisory roles, junior hockey administration, or coaching pathways.