Stephen Walkom

Who is Stephen Walkom?

Stephen Walkom currently serves as vice president and director of officiating for the National Hockey League. This is second tenure in that position, having previously served from 2005 to 2009. From 1990 to 2004, and from 2009 to 2013, he worked as an on-ice referee for the league.

He is married to Annie and together they have three children. They reside in the Pittsburgh suburb of Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

Walkom worked referee, until retiring August 3, 2005 when he elevated to the management position. Walkom succeeded Andy Van Hellemond as director of officiating, who resigned under controversy in mid-July 2004.

He has a bachelor's degree in commerce from Laurentian University.

As a referee, he was hired in 1990 after a successful amateur career that included obtaining Level VI certification - the highest in Hockey Canada's Officiating Program - and refereeing in the Memorial Cup tournament. In the NHL, he officiated more than 600 regular season games, 84 Stanley Cup playoff games, the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, 2004 World Cup of Hockey, and two Stanley Cup Finals.