SEARCH
                 


Longtime NHL Referee Mike Hasenfratz Tragically Passes Away at the Age of 58

PUBLICATION
Julien Trekker
November 25, 2024  (11:59)
SHARE THIS STORY

The longtime NHL referee Mike Hasenfratz tragically passed away at 58 years old.

It's with great sadness that we learned the passing of the former NHL referee Mike Hasenfratz.

In an official statement, the NHL announced his passing, sending their thoughts to his family, friends, and colleagues with the following post on X:

Hasenfratz spent 14 seasons working in the NHL, officiating over 700 games between 2000 and 2014.

He joined the NHL after going through the Regina junior hockey system, which led him to work for the SJHL and WHL.

Fans will remember him for his great dedication and courage.

In the middle of his career, Hasenfratz had to step away for two seasons, as he recovered from a life-threatening heart surgery.

When he returned, he changed his number to 2, in honor of his second chance to do what he called the "second best job in the world after playing."

This is what he said at the time, highlighting his passion for hockey and enthusiasm for his job:

"I'm so glad to be back. I don't want anything to do with retirement. I missed the environment of the game. The other night in Washington, they do something called, Unleash the Fury, or something. And the place goes crazy. I was thinking, 'This is where I want to be.' I'm back on a full schedule and I'd like to think I'm back to where I used to be, but I'm not there yet."

Multiple tributes can be found online.

His former colleague Tim Peel notably shared the following statement:

"Very sad to hear this today. Mike was such a great guy and had such a positive energy and spirit. You will be missed!💔🙏"

We send our thoughts to all those affected by that tragic loss.

POLL
2 HOURS AGO   |   22 ANSWERS
Longtime NHL Referee Mike Hasenfratz Tragically Passes Away at the Age of 58

Have you ever seen Mike Hasenfratz officiate an NHL game?