Oilers draft pick announces early retirement, hired as NHL referee
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers on X
Former Oilers draft pick Ben Betker has announced an early retirement from professional hockey to pursue a new career as an NHL referee.
The announcement may come as part of some routine reshuffling of NHL officials for next season. It also comes after Oilers insiders have raised a trend of the NHL calling far less penalties than usual over the last 3 seasons.
Former Oilers draft pick announces retirement, new career in refereeing
Now 30 years old, Ben Betker was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the sixth round of the 2013 NHL draft.
The 6'6 defenceman began his career with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks, and after being drafted to the Oilers made it to play 86 games with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors. After falling back to the ECHL, Betker made the jump to Slovakia to continue playing until the 2023-24 season.
According to a report from experts at Scouting the Refs, Betker will make his debut in the NHL next spring - and may be the biggest referee in NHL history.
Betker attended the 2024 NHL Officiating Combine, making the jump to officiating after a lengthy playing career. At 6'6″, 227 lbs during his playing career, Betker may be the biggest referee in the NHL.
Betker is expected to work a full season in the AHL. Look for him to make his NHL debut next spring.
Betker is expected to work a full season in the AHL. Look for him to make his NHL debut next spring.
Oilers fans will be wishing Betker the best in the next chapter of his career as an official, although he probably will not be giving the benefit of the doubt to his old team with calls on the ice.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 24 | 318 ANSWERS Oilers draft pick announces early retirement, hired as NHL referee Did you notice NHL referees calling less penalties this season? | ||
| Yes | 222 | 69.8 % |
| No | 96 | 30.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
