The Ref's Room's November 2019 Ref of the Month is Tyson Stewart!

Tyson Stewart got his start in officiating after finishing up a five year junior hockey playing career in the Canadian Central Hockey League (CCHL).

Stewart spent most of his time patrolling the wing for the Carleton Place Canadians.  His junior hockey career was highlighted by back-to-back appearances in the Royal Bank Cup (RBC Cup), Canada's National Junior A Championship.

Ironically, Tyson was assessed a Match Penalty for Abuse of Official during the 2015 Championship Game!

Now in his fourth season as a referee, Tyson has completed the transition into his new career handing out penalties instead of taking them.

In short order, Tyson has managed to rise up the hockey officiating ranks very quickly.

This past season, Stewart was selected to represent Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) as a referee at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alberta.

At the Canada Winter Games, Stewart was skating alongside many officials who regularly worked games in the Canadian Hockey League. 

By the end of the tournament, Tyson was given the honour of refereeing the Gold Medal Game between Team Ontario and Team Quebec.  He was joined in the final game with referee Dominic Cadieux, and linesmen Cole Cooke and Dan Kovachik.

Tyson's rise up the refereeing ranks continued this summer with a selection to the Hockey Canada Officiating Program of Excellence Summer Select Camp in Calgary, Alberta.

After attending the NHL Exposure Combine in Buffalo, Stewart was invited to work games at NHL Rookie Showcase tournament in Belleville, Ontario. 

There games were played between the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Winnipeg Jets' prospects.

If all of that wasn't enough, Stewart was also added to the American Hockey League (AHL) and Ontario Hockey League (OHL) officiating staffs for the 2019-2020 season.

You can look for Tyson around the rinks wearing jersey #85 in the AHL, and jersey #23 in the OHL.

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments Tyson, and best of luck this season!

Know someone that should be featured as the Ref of the Month?  Send us an email to nominate a fellow official for future Ref of the Month features!