Former NHL Referee Who Officiated over 700 Games Passes Away Too Young at age 58
The hockey community is mourning another loss, as today a former NHL official passed away at the untimely age of 58.
The former official, Mike Hasenfratz was an official in the league, from 2000 to 2014, performing an exemplary 14 years of service to the game.
Hasenfratz's last game officiated was on March 16th, 2014, when the Chicago Blackhawks took on the Calgary Flames. He'd work with fellow referee Mike Leggo, with linesmen Tim Nowak and Derek Amell.
Hasenfratz underwent open heart surgery, followed by a lengthy recovery. He worked hard to return to the ice. When he did - wearing #2 - Hasenfratz liked to say it signified his second chance at what he called «the second best job in the world, after playing.»
Hasenfratz was diagnosed with an aortic dissection which is a debilitating condition. He'd be diagnosed with the condition in the middle of his officiating career, undoubtedly a reason why he may have retired early.
Hasenfratz would officiate a total of 705 NHL games before ending his career. It's regrettable someone would lose their life so young.
Hasenfratz's dedication to the game is shown in the fact that he'd never make a game about himself, like some former and current referees like Wes McCauley.
Instead, all 705 games he officiated were about game management and the integrity involved.
Raise your hand if you ever heard of a night ruined because of a call of his. Needless to say, unlike Tim Pool his dedication is without question.
We send our deepest condolences to Hasenfratz's friends, family, and colleagues. The hockey community has suffered a major loss as a result.
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