Referee Ben Betker is heading to the show! The 30-year-old official, who skated last season in the AHL, ECHL, and BCHL, has been hired by the National Hockey League.

“This means everything to me,” said Betker via the BCHL. “To be able to share this success with family and friends was really cool. There is still a lot of work to do, but it’s a step in the right direction and I’m just enjoying the process.”

Betker attended the 2024 NHL Officiating Combine, making the jump to officiating after a lengthy playing career. The Cranbook, British Columbia, native spent four seasons playing pro hockey in North America, suiting up for the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors and the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals and Kalamazoo Wings.  He then headed to Europe for five seasons, spending time in the ICE Hockey League and Slovakia through the 2023-24 season.

At 6’6″, 227 lbs during his playing career, Betker may be the biggest referee in the NHL.

The defensive spent his junior hockey years in the WHL, playing one season with the Portland Winterhawks and three with the Everett Silvertips.

Betker was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the sixth round (158th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, a class that included Nathan MacKinnon and Aleksander Barkov.

Former NHL linesman Brad Lazarowich, who currently heads up the BCHL’s Officiating Department, spoke highly of his newly-promoted official.

“The NHL hiring Ben Betker just adds to the impressive list of accomplishments by the officiating staff in the BCHL,” said Lazarowich. “Ben came on board last year directly to us from the NHL Combine and had a very impressive year. His hard work and dedication to his officiating propelled him to the level that the NHL is looking for.”

The praise goes both ways, with Betker grateful for the development he received in the BCHL.

“The relationship that Brad [Lazarowich] has with the NHL, as well as his resume, speaks for itself,” said Betker. “I’m not sure I’d be in the position I’m in if it wasn’t for his guidance and mentorship. Any official just starting out would benefit from his 30 years of experience.”

Betker is expected to work a full season in the AHL. Look for him to make his NHL debut next spring.