DANBURY, Conn. – ECAC Hockey Honors the Impact of Paul Stewart Throughout the Game of Hockey. On January 1, 2025, before the Quinnipiac at Harvard game, ECAC Hockey will hold a pregame ceremony to honor the contributions of Paul Stewart, an esteemed alumnus and USA Hockey Hall of Fame inductee.
Stewart, a Massachuesetts native, played collegiate hockey within ECAC Hockey, representing the University of Pennsylvania* for two seasons before embarking on his professional journey. He played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League, with stints at the Cincinnati Stingers and the Quebec Nordiques. After retiring as a player, Paul transitioned to a new role that would define his legacy in hockey.
In 1986, Paul began his career as an NHL referee, a position he held with distinction until 2003. He was the first American to referee more than 1,000 NHL regular-season games and the first to play and referee in the NHL.
Following his retirement as an active on-ice official, Paul continued to impact the game beyond the rink. In 2007, he became the ECAC Hockey Men's and Women's Director of Officiating, holding that position for twelve years. During his tenure, he oversaw officials during five combined NCAA championships between ECAC Hockey men's and women's programs. His tenure also saw the historic career of Hobey Baker winner and Harvard alum Jimmy Vesey. Numerous ECAC Hockey officials officiated NCAA Championship games under his leadership, including the current Directors of Officials, Bryan Hicks and Peter Feola.
Paul has been a passionate advocate for cancer research and support, serving as an ambassador for the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer campaign from 1999 to 2008.
In 2018, Paul was inducted into the USA Hockey Hall of Fame, a premier acknowledgment of his career that also included the 1987 and 1991 Canada Cups, as well as two NHL All-Star Games.
About ECAC Hockey
Established in 1961-62, ECAC Hockey is home to elite student-athletes from 12 of the nation’s most prestigious institutions: Brown University, Clarkson University, Colgate University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, Quinnipiac University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, St. Lawrence University, Union College, and Yale University.
*UPenn is a former DI ECAC Hockey institution.
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