Marcus Vinnerborg

Marcus Vinnerborg is a Swedish ice hockey referee known for becoming the first European-trained official to work in the National Hockey League.

A native of Ljungby, Sweden, Vinnerborg began officiating in 1987 after his playing career with IF Troja/Ljungby. He advanced through the Swedish system, becoming a referee in Elitserien (now the SHL) in 2000. Recognized for his excellence, he won Guldpipan—awarded to the league’s top referee as voted by the players—three times.

Internationally, Vinnerborg officiated at seven IIHF tournaments, including four consecutive World Championships (2006–2009) and the 2010 Winter Olympics. He worked two World Championship gold medal games (2007 in Moscow and 2008 in Québec) and was part of early trials for the four-official system used in major tournaments today.

In 2010, Vinnerborg joined the NHL’s officiating staff, marking a historic milestone as the league’s first European-trained referee. He split his time between the AHL and NHL, making his NHL debut on November 16, 2010, in Dallas.

Off the ice, Vinnerborg lives in Ljungby with his wife Anna and twin daughters, Amanda and Vilma. Before becoming a full-time referee, he worked as a high school teacher in English and German.