Linesman Brandon Grillo is set to make his NHL debut tonight as the Winnipeg Jets visit the Detroit Red Wings.
Grillo will take the ice in the National Hockey League for the first time alongside referees Gord Dwyer and Peter MacDougall, with fellow linesperson David Brisebois. He’ll be wearing the #75 previously worn by long-time official Derek Amell.
The 29-year-old Michigan native spent last season officiating in the AHL and ECHL, along with working the 2023 World Juniors. From the ECHL:
After a four-year collegiate career on the Western Michigan University ACHA team, Grillo played one season of professional hockey for Sudrets HC of the Swedish Second Division. The following season, he served as a graduate assistant for the Clarkson University men’s ice hockey team.
Grillo became involved in officiating during Covid, working local games to gain experience. The following summer, he attended the NHL Exposure Combine and was hired by the United States Hockey League. In addition to working games in both the ECHL and AHL, he was selected to work the 2023 World Junior Championship, and earned an assignment working the gold medal game.
He also saw action working with NHL prospects while wearing the stripes at the NHL’s Traverse City Prospect Camp in 2022, which included
Grillo is the only linesperson among the five new officials joining the NHL this year. Expect referees Riley Brace, Gradey Hamilton, Stephen Hiff, and Mike Sullivan to make their debuts later this season.
Grillo worked eight preseason games prior to the start of the 2023-24 season.
The Canton, Michigan, native becomes the 36th WMU alum to make the NHL, the first as an official. Former Stallions who played in the league include Keith Jones, Mark Letestu, Joe Corvo, and Jamal Mayers.
Congratulations to linesman Brandon Grillo on his NHL debut!
