#NHLPeachy @NHL #SportyPeachy #WhomWeMiss #WhomYouKnow Commissioner Bettman & SVP and Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom Statements on the Passing of Mick McGeough

The National Hockey League released the following statements from Commissioner Gary Bettman and Senior Vice President and Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom on the passing last night of former NHL Referee and Officiating Manager Mick McGeough at the age of 62 in Regina, Saskatchewan:

Commissioner Bettman statement:

“The National Hockey League lost a true friend of the game last night with the passing of Mick McGeough,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “As one of the League’s top referees for 21 years from 1987-88 until his retirement following the 2007-08 season, Mick’s passion for the game shone through on a nightly basis. He earned and maintained respect from players, coaches, general managers and his peers throughout his career with a unique style that combined humility and humor with decisiveness and fairness. The NHL family extends its deepest sympathies to his wife Angie and his five children – Jared, Luke, Kara, Karlie and Isaac.”

enior Vice President and Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom statement:

“Mick was the consummate communicator,” said NHL Senior Vice President and Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom. “Whether it was as an NHL referee for two decades or, more recently, in his position as Officiating Manager, Mick had the tremendous ability to tell stories – sharing his knowledge of the rules and insights into the game with everyone he met. He was also a great teacher who took pride in inspiring and developing officials through his love for the game. On behalf of the entire NHL officiating team, we will miss Mick’s friendship and our thoughts are with Angie and his entire family.”