Wesley “Wes” is a renowned referee in the National Hockey League. Before starting his officiating career, he was a player and played for many minor leagues. His decision to pursue an officiating career was due to injury he suffered in 1997. Wes started officiating in 2003 and by 2005 he became a full-time NHL referee.
Since then, Wes has participated in multiple Stanley Cup finals from 2013-2023, only missing two 2019 due to injury and 2021 because of Covid-19.His journey from a player to a full-time NHL referee shows his love for the sport. In personal life, Wes belongs to a hockey-loving family.
Wes McCauley as player
Wes attended Michigan State University where he 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.
McCauley was drafted by the Red Detroit Wings in the 8th round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft when he was playing for Michigan State University. Following his graduation, he played in minor hockey leagues with the Las Vegas Thunder and Fort Wayne Komets of the International Hockey League.
He also played with the Knoxville Cherokees of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), the Muskegon Fury of the Colonial Hockey League, and Milan in the Italian Serie A league. Unfortunately, McCauley had to quit playing due to his injury in 1997.
Wes McCauley as a referee
Following his injury, McCauley decided to become a referee. He followed the footsteps of his father John McCauley who was a NHL player and later became a referee. Started with the Ontario minor hockey leagues and then scaled to the Eastern Coast Hockey League (ECHL).
In 2001, He was appointed to officiate AHL, a second-tier league. On January 20, 2003, McCauley officiated his first-ever NHL games 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 in the 2005-2006 season and officiated his first playoff game in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs featuring the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Islanders.
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. He is known for his suspense announcements during crucial moments and results.
FAQ's On Wes McCauley play
A. He played in minor hockey leagues with the Las Vegas Thunder and Fort Wayne Komets of the International Hockey League.McCauley also played with the Knoxville Cherokees of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), the Muskegon Fury of the Colonial Hockey League, and Milan in the Italian Serie A league.
A. His Father John McCauley was a former NHL referee and played an important role in the NHL's Directors of Officiating. John passed away in June 1989.
A. Wes started his career as an officiate in the 2003 NHL games and by 2005, he became a full-time NHL referee.
A. Wesley was born on January 11, 1972, in Georgetown, Ontario, Canada.
A. His outstanding efforts on the ice were recognized and he was rewarded with the Terry Flanagan Memorial Award in 1993 for his significant achievement in his college hockey career.
