For the first time in the history of the NHL, the league has selected four women to officiate this season's rookie tournament.
“The opportunity to officiate at an NHL Rookie Tournament is an important step in the development of the next generation of elite officials and we look forward to watching all four women elevate their performance in this new competitive environment,” said NHL senior vice president and director of officiating Stephen Walkom.
After participating in the 2019 NHL Exposure Combine, Referees Katie Guay and Kelly Cooke, along with linesmen Kristen Welsh and Kendall Hanley, were selected along with 26 other combine participants to officiate the tournament.
Guay played Division I hockey and competed for the USA Hockey's National Under-22 Team before beginning her now 14-year officiating career. Welsh also played D1 hockey, but unlike Guay, has just finished her college playing career. Cooke, who played for Princeton during her four years of university education, has been officiating for 10 years. Hanley has been officiating for 12 years and played Division III hockey.
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