One month ago, linesman Ben O’Quinn was skating on the ice in Buffalo as part of his first NHL Officials’ training camp. Tonight, he’ll take the ice for his first NHL game.
O’Quinn is set to make his National Hockey League debut tonight as the Buffalo Sabres host the Montreal Canadiens. He’ll work tonight’s Sabres season opener with referees Frederick L’Ecuyer and Dan O’Rourke, and linesman Devin Berg.
He was hired prior to the start of the 2021-22 season directly into a full-time NHL linesman role.
The 30-year-old Woodstock, Ontario, native has officiated for two seasons in the AHL, also working the 2021 World Juniors.
Before making the switch to officiating, O’Quinn spent four seasons in the SPHL, suiting up with the Fayetteville FireAntz and the Columbus Cottonmouths. Over 98 games, the former right winger piled up 14 goals and 30 assists, along with 36 penalty minutes. O’Quinn skated in three seasons with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting (2007-2010), playing alongside Steven Stamkos, Matt Martin, Brett Ritchie, and current NHL linesman Kyle Flemington.
O’Quinn will wear #91.
