Matt Pavelich, the first linesman inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, has passed away at the age of 92. The Hockey Hall of Fame announced his death on Saturday.
A Legendary Officiating Career
During his 23-season tenure working in the NHL, Pavelich officiated games in 19 consecutive Stanley Cup Finals from 1961 to 1979. Over that extensive career, he worked 1,727 regular season contests and 245 playoff games before later serving as the league’s supervisor of officials. He earned his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1987.
Tributes and Legacy
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman described Pavelich as a genuine icon within the profession. “No linesman in the history of the National Hockey League was more universally respected nor more widely admired than Matt Pavelich,” Bettman stated.
Bettman added that Pavelich embodied professionalism and integrity while also bringing a warm personal touch that allowed him to build strong working relationships with both players and coaches.
