Longtime NHL ref Don Koharski retires

TORONTO, April 10 (UPI) -- Don Koharski, who has been an NHL official since 1977, has officiated his final game, retiring after calling 1,719 games as a referee.

Koharski, 53, worked Thursday's game between Washington and Tampa Bay more than 27 years after his first assignment as referee, a game that also happened to include Washington.

He entered the league in 1977 and worked 163 NHL games as a linesman before becoming a referee. His first game as a referee was Nov. 21, 1981.

"Koho has had an outstanding career as an NHL referee which spanned an impressive 28 plus seasons. The respect he has garnered is reflected in his relationships with players, coaches and teammates," NHL Senior Vice President and Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom told NHL.com.

"His love of playing hockey led him to officiating, which he turned into a Hall of Fame career, much to the benefit of our team. Koho's innate sense of the game will serve our team well as he continues to assist the Officiating Department throughout the playoffs."

In addition to the 1,719 regular-season games as referee, Koharski worked 262 playoff games, including contests ion 11 Stanley Cup Finals.

He told NHL.com he planned to spend more time with his family and playing golf near his Dade City, Fla., home.