Referee Dan O’Rourke recently worked his 1500th regular season game, becoming just the 13th National Hockey League referee to do so.
O’Rourke’s milestone match came in Tampa as the Lightning hosted the New York Islanders on February 3, 2025. He worked the game alongside referee Brian Pochmara, with Trent Knorr and Andrew Smith on lines, and Don Van Massenhoven supervising.
The Calgary native made his NHL debut as a linesman on October 2, 1999, working New Jersey Devils vs. Atlanta Thrashers alongside ref Terry Gregson and liney Jean Morin. He picked up the armbands a few seasons later when the NHL moved to two-referee crews. He was promoted to full-time National Hockey League referee in 2005.
O’Rourke has since gone on to officiate 202 playoff games, seven Stanley Cup Finals (2011, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024) , three outdoor games, and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Among active officials, O’Rourke trails only Kelly Sutherland, Eric Furlatt, and Chris Rooney – the latter two of whom hit the 1500-game milestone earlier this season.
Congratulations to referee Dan O’Rourke on 1500 games!
