Referee Graedy Hamilton will be joining the National Hockey League for the 2023-24 season.
The British Columbia native spent last season officiating in the American Hockey League and the Western Hockey League, as well as working the IIHF’s 2023 World Junior Championship and the CHL’s Top Prospects Game. Hamilton was recognized as BC Hockey’s Official of the Year for last season.
Graedy Hamilton of Cowichan Valley MHA was recognized as the 2023 @BCHockey_Source Official of the Year. Congratulations on an outstanding season and good luck for the start of 23-24! #MoreThanDroppingPucks pic.twitter.com/mAkYyitG9e
— BC Hockey Officials (@BCHockey_Refs) June 11, 2023
The 23-year-old referee has spent two season in the AHL and four in the WHL. He also worked six seasons in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).
Hamilton fills the void created by the departure of long-time referee Marc Joannette, who retired in April after 24 years in the NHL. Joannette’s full-time slot will be filled by one of the league’s NHL/AHL referees currently splitting time between the two leagues. That official’s promotion opens a spot for Hamilton.
Hamilton will continue to work primarily in the American Hockey League this season; he’s expected to make his NHL debut in the spring of 2024.
Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s taking the summer off. Hamilton is supporting young officials taking part in BC Hockey’s Officiating Program of Excellence camp.
So much more than simply dropping pucks, newly hired NHL Referee Graedy Hamilton supports BCHockey Official Malcolm Simpson during fitness testing inside Chilliwack’s Landing Centre during Day 1 activities. #morethandroppingpucks pic.twitter.com/8koy2cQkJL
— BC Hockey Officials (@BCHockey_Refs) July 25, 2023
All the best to Graedy Hamilton on the start of his NHL career!
