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HHOF News
IN MEMORIAM
Matt PavelichMarch 12, 1934 – October 30, 2026
The Hockey Hall of Fame and its members are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Honoured Member Matt Pavelich.
Matt Pavelich dedicated more than three decades to officiating the game he loved, including 23 seasons as one of the most respected officials in National Hockey League history. Born into a hockey family - his older brother Marty was a four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings - Pavelich took a different route to the NHL. Graduating from officiating minor hockey games to minor professional games, by the time he was 22, he was called to make his NHL debut as a linesman in 1955-56. After 1,727 regular season games and 245 playoff games through 23 NHL seasons, Pavelich retired and was named the League’s Supervisor of Officials.
In 1987, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Referee/Linesman Category, becoming the first linesman to receive the honour.
The Hockey Hall of Fame organization and its members extend their heartfelt condolences to Mr. Pavelich’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
View Matt Pavelich’s Honoured Member page.