This special OHL Cup edition of Beyond the Whistle shines a spotlight on Greater Toronto Hockey League official Ben Addison, whose path in hockey has come full circle in a meaningful way.
Growing up in Uxbridge, Ontario, Addison came from a hockey family where the game was always close. With NHL ties through his late-uncle and cousin, Bryan and Mason Marchment, hockey was a major part of his upbringing and helped shape his passion for the sport from an early age.
As a player, Addison developed with the Central Ontario Wolves before moving on to play Junior A hockey in Wellington. He later continued his playing career at Oswego State, where he played varsity.
It was near the end of his final year at Oswego State that his path in hockey began to evolve. Looking for a new way to stay involved in the sport, Addison turned to officiating — a decision that quickly became much more than a next step.
What started as an opportunity to remain in the game soon grew into a serious pursuit. Addison attended the National Hockey League’s officiating combine in Buffalo, an experience that helped open the door to the next chapter of his hockey career while offering a fresh perspective on a game he had known for so many years as a player.
Now in his second season as an official with the GTHL, Addison continues to grow in a role that demands composure, confidence, and a strong feel for the pace and detail of the game. In addition to his work in the GTHL, he also officiates in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), continuing to build experience and refine his craft.
This season has brought another meaningful milestone, as Addison is skating the 2026 OHL Cup as an official — a tournament he never had the chance to reach as a player. Now, in a different role, he is part of the event in a way that reflects just how far his hockey journey has taken him.
From player to official, Addison’s story reflects a lifelong connection to hockey and a commitment to staying involved at every level. For him, the game has always been about more than just playing — it is about finding new ways to compete, contribute, and remain part of the sport he has always loved.
