The Greater Toronto Hockey League will once again be well represented across the Ontario Hockey League this season, with 22 members of the 2026-27 OHL Officiating Team having ties to the GTHL and its officiating program.
The OHL announced its 108-member officiating team for the upcoming season on September 16, featuring 40 referees and 68 linespersons. The group includes a combination of veteran officials and 15 individuals beginning their first season in the League.
Among those making the jump to the OHL for the first time are four GTHL alumni: referees Harry Smith and Colton Peak, along with linespersons Omar Galal and Jacob Swackhamer.
They join a strong group of returning officials who have continued to advance through the officiating pathway, including several who have accumulated significant experience at the OHL level.
Referees with GTHL ties
- Ryan Harrison — 10th OHL season
- Connor Mallon — 5th OHL season
- Damian Figueira — 4th OHL season
- Sean Kimmerly — 5th OHL season
- Derek Riseborough — 2nd OHL season
- Aaron Neely — 12th OHL season
- Matt Boulby — 5th OHL season
- Andre Grougrou — 8th OHL season
- Harry Smith — 1st OHL season
- Colton Peak — 1st OHL season
- Pat Myers — 15th OHL season
- James Kraft — 3rd OHL season
Linespersons with GTHL ties
- Mac Whalen — 3rd OHL season
- Will Dykeman — 9th OHL season
- David Milne — 10th OHL season
- Justin Noble — 8th OHL season
- Omar Galal — 1st OHL season
- Brian Birkhoff — 5th OHL season
- Broidy Rondelet — 2nd OHL season
- Jacob Swackhamer — 1st OHL season
- Scott Lawson — 13th OHL season
The GTHL connection extends beyond the on-ice roster. Scott Oakman continues as part of the OHL’s Officiating Department as an Officiating Manager.
Two members of the OHL team also continue to help develop the next generation of officials within the GTHL. Andre Grougrou and Scott Lawson currently serve as GTHL officiating supervisors, sharing their experience with officials throughout the League while continuing their own careers at the OHL level.
The representation is another example of the officiating pathway extending beyond minor hockey, providing officials with opportunities to develop their skills, gain experience, and progress to higher levels of the game.
The OHL’s 2026-27 officiating team averages approximately six years of League experience, with more than half of its members having worked five or more OHL seasons. The season also features 15 first-year officials from communities across Ontario and Michigan.
Congratulations to all members of the GTHL officiating community named to the 2026-27 OHL Officiating Team.
