Justin St. Pierre is a Canadian ice hockey referee, born in Dolbeau, QC, who embarked on his officiating journey at the age of 15, eventually rising through the ranks to become a respected NHL referee with notable achievements, including working the prestigious Kelly Cup Finals and the 2001 ECHL All-Star Game.
St. Pierre, a native of Dolbeau QC, a small town in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of the Quebec province, embarked on his hockey journey in his hometown, progressing through Midget and Junior levels in Normandin and Dolbeau. His officiating venture commenced at the age of 15 when he joined his older brother in officiating local games on weekends to earn some extra income. Spending his initial five seasons at local rinks, officiating various levels of minor hockey, he earned a promotion to the Elite Provincial Officiating Program. This program identified young, talented officials for Midget AAA and Junior A hockey games across Quebec. Two years after entering the provincial program, St. Pierre took a significant step forward, joining the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) as a referee, contributing three seasons to the league. In the summer of 1997, he signed a contract with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), relocating to Pensacola, FL. Over the next six seasons with the ECHL, St. Pierre achieved the distinguished honor of being selected three times for the Kelly Cup Finals (1999, 2002, & 2003) and officiated the 2001 ECHL All-Star Game in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The National Hockey League recognized his talent, offering him an NHL Minor League Referee contract in the summer of 2003. Three years later, at the age of 34, he attained full-time NHL referee status.
Justin St. Pierre’s Salary
Specific salary information for individual NHL referees, such as Justin St. Pierre, is not publicly disclosed due to confidentiality agreements between the NHL Officials Association (NHLOA) and the NHL. The compensation details for referees are treated as confidential by the league. However, it is known that NHL referees, especially those with significant experience and a record of officiating in high-profile games, can command competitive salaries. According to reports, the average salary for an entry-level NHL referee is around $200,000 per year, with experienced referees earning significantly more. Some top officials in the NHL are reported to make upwards of $400,000 per year. Given Justin St. Pierre's extensive officiating career, including participation in notable events like the 2020 NHL All-Star Game, his salary is likely positioned at the upper end of the scale for experienced NHL referees, potentially exceeding $400,000 per year.
FAQ's On Justin St. Pierre Salary
A. St. Pierre began officiating at 15 and progressed through local rinks ultimately joining the QMJHL, and later becoming a respected NHL referee.
A. Originating from Dolbeau QC, St. Pierre started officiating at 15, working local games with his brother earning promotions, including joining the QMJHL as a referee.
A. St. Pierre spent six seasons in the ECHL, achieving the honor of being selected three times for the Kelly Cup Finals (1999, 2002, & 2003) and officiating the 2001 ECHL All-Star Game.
A. St. Pierre received an NHL Minor League Referee contract in 2003. He achieved full-time NHL referee status at the age of 34 in 2006.
A. Specific salary details are confidential but experienced NHL referees, including Justin St. Pierre. Referees can potentially earn $400,000 per year, given their extensive officiating career and involvement in high-profile events.