Tonight’s final buzzer in Cleveland will also bring a close to the AHL career of linesman Ray King.
King’s final American Hockey League game comes as the Monsters host the Laval Rocket at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. He’ll take the ice alongside referees Jeremy Tufts and Mac Nichol and fellow linesman Tommy George.
Linesman Ray King, left, with current NHL officials Graham Skilliter and Matt MacPherson (Submitted photo)
The Erie, Pennsylvania, native has patrolled the bluelines in the American Hockey League for the past 12 seasons, working over 145 AHL games. His 20-year professional officiating career also includes wearing the stripes in the ECHL, Ontario Hockey League, and NCAA Division I.
King is one of just four linesmen to have worked 700 games in the ECHL, joining Norm Eberle, Brad Phillips, and Terry Wicklum. During his time in the ECHL, King was chosen to officiate the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game in Stockton, as well as the Kelly Cup Finals in 2007, 2008, and 2011. King was the 2010 recipient of the ECHL’s Ryan Birmingham Memorial Award for his contributions and dedication to the league officiating staff based on a vote of ECHL On-Ice Officials.
(Submitted photo)
While most of the fans in attendance will be cheering for the Monsters, King will be supported by family and friends, including his wife, Nora, and his parents, Ray and Debbie.
