The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has announced the 10 officials selected to work the 2026 OHL Championship Series between the Kitchener Rangers and the Barrie Colts. 

Referees

Nick Bet #19 (10th OHL season, 5th as referee) – 1st OHL Championship Series
Damian Figueira #8 (3rd OHL season) – 1st OHL Championship Series
Chad Ingalls #12 (4th OHL season) – 2nd OHL Championship Series
Jason Faist #5 (19th OHL season, 17th as referee) – 6th OHL Championship Series
Mac Nichol #33 (8th OHL season, 7th as referee) – 4th OHL Championship Series

Linespersons

Spencer Knox #72 (5th OHL season) – 4th OHL Championship Series
Dan Kovachik #71 (3rd OHL season) – 2nd OHL Championship Series
Dustin McCrank #68 (17th OHL season) – 11th OHL Championship Series
Justin Noble #80 (7th OHL season) – 4th OHL Championship Series
Luke Pye #45 (5th OHL season) – 1st OHL Championship Series

 

“In my 19 years, these were among the toughest selection decisions I have had to make,” said OHL Director of Officiating Conrad Haché. “The margins were very thin. The review process included playoff performance, overall body of work, consistency, game management, teamwork, communication, and readiness for this stage. There are officials who were not selected who are fully capable of working the Championship Series, which speaks to the strength of our group.”

Brian Birkhoff was also considered, but was not available as he’ll be in Switzerland to work the IIHF Men’s World Championship.

Haché also acknowledged the standard set by officials throughout the postseason, per the OHL.

“The professionalism, preparation, and commitment shown throughout the playoffs have made this selection process as competitive as it has ever been,” he added. “To those selected, this is a tremendous accomplishment that should be earned with pride, humility, and continued focus.”

Officials Chad Ingalls and Spencer Knox both recently worked the Gold Medal Game of the IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship.

Ingalls, Nichol, Knox, Kovachik, McCrank and Noble are all returning from the 2025 Finals. Faist, Nichol, Knox, McCrank, and Noble were part of the crew in 2024.

The series gets under way on Wednesday night at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium; games will be available on TSN and streamed online via FloHockey.