Wes McCauley Family

Wesley "Wes" McCauley is a well-known referee in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 11, 1972, Wes McCauley was an ice hockey player before he became a referee in the NHL. An injury disrupted his playing career in 1997 due to which he decided to pursue a career in officiating.

Wes McCauley started his career as an official in the NHL in 2003 and by 2005 he became a full-time NHL referee. Wes has officiated nine out of 11 Stanley Cup Finals from 2013-2023, missing the 2019 Stanley Cup finals because of injury and 2021 due to the pandemic. His journey from a player to a full-time NHL referee shows his love for the sport.

Wes McCauley’s Family

Wesley was born on January 11, 1972, in Georgetown, Ontario. His family has a deep connection with ice hockey as his father John McCauley was a former NHL referee and director of officiating from 1986 until his death in June 1989.

Wes went to Michigan State University where he not only pursued his education but was also introduced to ice hockey and played for the university's team as a defenseman. During his time at Michigan State University, Wes played alongside Bryan Smolinski, both were best friends and even co-captained the team in their final year. Wes McCauley’s brother Blaine McCauley also pursued a professional hockey career. Interestingly, Wes officiated his debut game in 2000, reflecting the McCauley family’s connection with hockey.

Wes McCauley is married to Bethany and the couple resides in South Portland, Maine with their four children.

Wes McCauley’s Officiating Career

After retiring from playing, McCauley followed in his father's footsteps and decided to become a referee. He started with the Ontario minor hockey leagues and then moved to the ECHL. In 2001, the NHL appointed him to officiate in the AHL. On January 20, 2003, McCauley officiated his first-ever NHL game featuring the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Chicago Blackhawks. He kept working in the AHL and was a part-time NHL referee. He also officiated the Calder Cup Finals in the AHL. McCauley became a full-time NHL referee during the 2005-2006 season and officiated his first playoff game in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs. Since then, McCauley has participated in multiple Stanley Cup Finals, wearing uniform number 4.

He officiated his 1,000th NHL game on December 23, 2018 and has officiated in more than 1,200 games (as of October 2023). He is known for his dramatic announcements during crucial moments.