Kevin Pollock is a Canadian ice hockey official who has served as a referee in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on February 7, 1970, in Kincardine, Ontario, Pollock has been a prominent figure in the world of hockey officiating. The former defenseman's journey into the world of officiating commenced at the tender age of 12, with all his minor hockey played in his hometown.
His father, Clarke, deeply immersed in officiating, instilled in him a profound appreciation for those adorned in the iconic black and white uniforms. In his early officiating years, Kevin Pollock dedicated much of his time to officiating minor hockey games, spanning the vicinity of Kincardine. Additionally, he occasionally assumed line duties alongside his father and other senior referees in the WOAA senior loop.
After a stint in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) during the early '90s, Pollock transitioned to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) as a linesman from 1993 to 1996. Simultaneously, he ventured into the Colonial Hockey League (COHL), initially serving as a linesman in the 1994-1995 season before ascending to the role of a referee in the subsequent campaign.
Driven by passion and commitment, Pollock embraced a full-time referee position with the ECHL in the summer of 1996, earning selection for the Kelly Cup Finals in both seasons with the league.
Returning to the OHL in 1998, this time donning the orange bands, Pollock's exceptional performance led to a coveted assignment at the prestigious Memorial Cup in Ottawa in 1999. He not only participated in the spring tournament but was entrusted with officiating the Championship game.
Concurrently, he was part of the NHL training program from 1997 to 1999. In the summer of 1999, the National Hockey League recognized Pollock's talent, offering him an NHL minor league contract as a referee. After a single season under minor league status, he ascended to a full-time NHL referee contract in the summer of 2000.
Kevin Pollock Salary
Officiating in the NHL demands a keen understanding of the game's intense, fast-paced, and physically demanding nature. Consequently, referees shoulder a challenging responsibility, and in recognition of this, they receive substantial compensation along with enticing perks and favorable working conditions. The base salaries for NHL referees span from $200,000 to $430,000, with an additional $27,000 awarded for each round officiated during the playoffs.
Kevin Pollock, a seasoned NHL referee with over two decades of experience, has presided over more than 200 playoff games throughout his illustrious career. While his estimated salary stands impressively at $500,000, the rewards do not come without inherent risks.
In the fierce circumstances of the Covid-impacted 2020 NHL season, Pollock faced a critical incident when a puck struck him in the face during the playoffs. The aftermath included a fractured jaw, 15 stitches, and the unfortunate loss of several teeth, underscoring the hazards associated with the role.
FAQ's On Kevin Pollock Salary
A. Kevin Pollock is a Canadian ice hockey official who serves as a referee in the National Hockey League (NHL).
A. Kevin Pollock began his officiating journey at the age of 12, initially dedicating time to officiating minor hockey games in his hometown, Kincardine.
A. The base salaries for NHL referees range from $200,000 to $430,000, with an additional $27,000 for each round officiated during the playoffs.
A. Kevin Pollock has officiated over 200 playoff games during his more than two-decade-long career as an NHL referee.
A. In the 2020 NHL season, Kevin Pollock faced a critical incident when a puck struck him in the face during the playoffs, resulting in a fractured jaw, 15 stitches, and the loss of several teeth.
