There’s a new sheriff in town for the Southern Professional Hockey League. Former NHL linesman Andy McElman, who retired in 2016, has joined the league as Director of Officiating.
From the SPHL:
The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) announced Tuesday that Andy McElman, who spent 23 years as a National Hockey League linesman, has been named the league’s new Director of Officiating.
“Having been with USA Hockey’s Officiating Development Program the past several years, I am very excited to join the SPHL and continue working with our officials as they pursue their goal of working at the highest professional levels,” said McElman.
McElman, who joined the NHL in 1993, worked 1,500 regular season games before his retirement in 2016. A native of Palatine, IL, McElman was selected to work the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, the 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field and the 2002 NHL All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
“On behalf of the Board of Governors, we are excited to have Andy oversee the league’s officiating program,” added SPHL President Jim Combs. “He has demonstrated a passion for developing and mentoring young officials and will be a tremendous addition to the SPHL as we enter our 15th season.”
Andy recently spoke with Team Stripes about his career in the NHL, his work with USA Hockey, and his new role with the SPHL.
McElman replaces former NHL referee Mark Faucette, who held the role for the past five years.
