Kelly Sutherland
PROFILE
Kelly worked 10 years paying his dues in various leagues (BCHL, WHL, AHL, IHL & WCHL). He has worked 18 seasons as an NHL referee officiating over 1,300 games, including multiple Stanley Cup Finals. Kelly also officiated the Sochi Olympics, World Juniors, World Cup of Hockey and has refereed in the NHL playoffs since 2003.
Richmond Roots Kelly grew up in Richmond and graduated from Steveston High. He began playing hockey at age four with Richmond Minor Hockey and started officiating hockey at age 11. Growing up, Kelly also enjoyed playing other sports such as baseball and golf.
Did You Know If unsuccessful in his quest to become an NHL referee, Kelly’s other chosen profession would be a police officer.
Barriers Overcome In 1998, the NHL minor league system was changed and Kelly was released. He came back the next season to prove them wrong, and worked to be top official in all the leagues he was working and was then hired by the NHL in 2000.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Recognition In 1999, Kelly received the Western Hockey League’s Al Paradice Award as the league’s top official. He was hired to an NHL contract the following season. Kelly was also awarded numerous Richmond Sports Awards.
All Awards
| Year | Award | Detals |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Western Hockey League WHL Allen Paradice Award | Voted best official in league by Coaches and Managers |
| 2000 | Official of the Year | Richmond Sports Awards |
| 2005 | Official of the Year | Richmond Sports Awards |
| 2006 | Official of the Year | Richmond Sports Awards |
| 2015 | Official of the Year | Richmond Sports Awards |
Championship Since being hired by the NHL in 2000, he has refereed the 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2018 Stanley Cup Finals, and the 2017 NHL All-Star game. While representing the NHL, Kelly also refereed the 2014 Olympic gold medal game in Sochi.
Championships
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Referee World Juniors (Sweden) | Selected to referee |
| 2010 | Referee Stanley Cup Finals | Selected to referee (Chicago vs. Philadelphia) |
| 2011 | Referee Stanley Cup Finals | Selected to referee (Vancouver vs Boston) |
| 2014 | 2014 Olympics: Refereed gold medal game (Sochi) | Finals: Canada vs Sweden |
| 2015 | Referee Stanley Cup Finals | Selected to referee (Chicago vs. Tampa Bay) |
| 2016 | Referee of World Cup of Hockey and Finals | Selected to referee Finals (Canada vs Team Europe) |
| 2016 | Referee Stanley Cup Finals | Selected to referee (San Jose vs Pittsburgh) |
| 2018 | Referee Stanley Cup Finals | Selected to referee (Las Vegas vs Washington) |
SPORTING HISTORY
Career Stats
| Year | Team / Organization | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | PCJHL Referee | Began refereeing in Junior B hockey in BC. |
| 1991-1997 | BCHL Referee | Worked first game in BCHL in 1991. |
| 1992-2000 | Referee in WHL | Worked 8 seasons in Western Hockey League as referee, including several finals. |
| 1994-2000 | Recruited by NHL to work in various minor pro leagues (WCHL, IHL, AHL). | |
| 2000- Present Day | NHL referee | Have completed 18 seasons. Worked 1152 league games. Worked 151 playoff games. Worked 2017 All Star Game Worked 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018 Stanley Cup Finals. |
Contribution to Richmond Sport Kelly contributed back to the game of hockey as a coach and also instructed amateur hockey officiating clinics over the years for BC amateur hockey.