Ron Wicks

Wicks was an NHL official from1960 to 1986. When he retired he had the record for the most NHL games officiated – 1,400 regular season games, 175 playoff games, five Stanley Cup finals and three all-star games. At age 20, he was also the youngest person ever to work an NHL game, beginning his career as a linesman.

After retirement from the NHL, he stayed active with the sport as a referee a number of alumni games. He also served as the director of officiating for the National Lacrosse League.

Wicks, who was suffering from liver cancer, received an overwhelming support from the Brampton community as well as hockey fans since he was admitted to palliative care at Brampton Civic Hospital.

Since word spread about his condition, he has received calls and visits from such hockey greats as Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr and Scotty Bowman, as well as fellow longtime referee Bruce Hood.

Wicks Friday (April 1) evening died peacefully at Brampton Civic Hospital in Brampton. He was 76.