GEORGETOWN, Ontario -- John McCauley, the NHL's Director of Officiating, died Friday morning in Georgetown Hospital after complications from surgery. He was 44.
McCauley entered the hospital Sunday after taking ill and underwent surgery Thursday.
McCauley was an NHL official from 1970-81, when he retired after suffering an eye injury. He served as assistant director of officiating for five years, and became director of officiating in 1986.
'We are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of John McCauley,' NHL President John Ziegler said. 'To all of us in the game -- management and players -- he was a dear friend. As an on-ice official, he was one of the best in the business. As the director of officiating he was outstanding.
'He was justly proud of his accomplishments in the National Hockey League and earned the respect and friendship of many, inside and outside the game. He was also appropriately proud of his fine family.'
McCauley, who grew up in Brampton, Ont., began his professional officiating career in 1967 in the American, Western and Central Leagues. In 10 NHL seasons, he refereed 442 games and was president of the Officials' Association for six years.
McCauley also officiated and coached lacrosse in his spare time. He coached the Brampton Excelsiors to the Mann Cup -- the Canadian Senior championship -- and was on the staff for Canada's 1978 world champion field lacrosse squad.
McCauley is survived by his wife Irene, sons Wesley and Blaine and his daughter Bridget.
His funeral will be Monday at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Georgetown. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to charity.
