Stewart Assumes Officiating Reins
Albany, NY -- ECAC Hockey announced today the appointment of Paul Stewart as Women’s Director of Officiating. Stewart, who has worked as the League’s Men’s Director of Officiating for the past three seasons, will now assume both officiating roles on the League’s staff. One of the most successful and respected individuals in the sport, Stewart’s hockey background spans four decades as a player and on-ice official at the collegiate and professional levels, as well as officiating supervisor/coach.
“On behalf of the entire League we are pleased to expand Paul’s role on our staff,” said ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell. “Paul has done a tremendous job on the men’s side for the last three seasons. He has proven to be a great resource to the League. Paul’s demonstration of hard work, knowledge, and expertise will surely enhance the League’s women’s officiating program.”
“I am doubly proud to now be able to work with the women’s coaches, student-athletes, institutions, and officiating staff of ECAC Hockey,” commented Paul Stewart. “I have a great passion for the college game on all levels and am honored for the opportunity to continue to build the women’s officiating staff within the League,” said Stewart. “To have the chance to elevate the standard of officiating and develop new officials is a challenge that I welcome.”
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 1972-75 and then enjoyed a professional career that included the NHL and World Hockey Association (WHA) including affiliated minor leagues spanning 1975 through 1983.
