Tonight in Chicago, referee Justin Kea will be officiating his first NHL Regular Season Game at United Center when the Buffalo Sabres will be in town to play the Blackhawks. Kea was hired by the National Hockey League last summer under a minor league referee contract and wears jersey no.44. He will be joined on the ice by fellow referee Gord Dwyer while linesmen Jonny Murray and David Brisebois will be completing the officiating crew.
The NHLOA would like to congratulate referee Justin Kea on his first Regular Season NHL Game.
Justin Kea bio:
Kea, a native of Woodville, ON is a former professional hockey player. He was selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres in the 3rd round (#73 overall). He played in 283 professional games between the American Hockey League (AHL) and the ECHL over a 5 year career. Prior to professional hockey, Kea played with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) suiting up for 253 games with the club. After his playing career Kea transitioned into officiating, working between the American Hockey League (AHL) and the United States Hockey League (USHL).
Justin attended the NHL Officiating Exposure Combine held in Buffalo, NY in the summer of 2021 where he was offered a NHL minor league referee contract.