Long-time American Hockey League referee Terry Koharski officiated his final AHL game on Saturday.

Koharski dropped the puck one last time as the Springfield Thunderbirds hosted the Belleville Senators. Koho officiated the game alongside referee Jack Young and linesmen Brent Colby and John Grandt.

The teams kept Koharski and Young busy, with the duo handing out 30 minutes in penalties – all minors.

Koharksi joined the league as a linesman in 1982, later adding the armbands.  He’s seen it all during his time in stripes, with plenty of memorable moments along the way, including the AHL’s first outdoor game, the final game in Philadelphia’s Spectrum, and 11 Calder Cup Finals.

He’s focused on passing on all that experience to new zebras.

“I enjoy mentoring the young officials now,” Koharski said. “I think the respect level comes into it. I teach them the ins and outs, how to talk to a coach, the heated situations, where the hot spots on the ice are, where to stand… a good net presence. And just being a pro. Even walking into the rink, say ‘Hi’ to the Zamboni driver, the parking attendant.”

Koharski told TheAHL.com’s Patrick Williams what he wants to leave behind as his legacy.

“I want to be known as a guy mentoring [officials]. I was a pro. Treated my fellow employees with respect, dignity, pride. Going to work hard every night, but we’re going to have fun after sitting in the room talking about the game. I just want to be known as a good guy, a team guy. That’s all I can ask.”

 

Read more from Patrick Williams over at TheAHL.com.

 

‘Koho’ hanging up whistle after 40 years

 

 

All the best to Terry Koharski in his retirement from the American Hockey League!