Brian Murphy (Dover, N.H.) not only had one of the most accomplished on-ice officiating careers in the history of the NHL, but continues today to dedicate time helping teach and mentor the next generation of officials.

The Dover, New Hampshire, native is one of two Americans and just eight individuals all time to officiate over 2,000 NHL regular-season games. During his 32-year career (1988-2020), Murphy officiated nine Stanley Cup Finals and 304 playoff games, as well as other high-profile NHL events like the 1999 NHL All-Star Game in Tampa, Florida, and the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park in Boston. 

Murphy also boasts an accomplished international officiating resume, including the 2004 and 2016 World Cup of Hockey, and 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Murphy served as the president of the NHL Officials Association from 2008-15 and was also on the organization’s executive board from 1994-99. 

Murphy made his NHL debut in 1988 in a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals and was promoted to a full-time NHL linesman for the 1990 season. As an official during the NHL’s transition period to the two-referee system, Murphy is one of a few officials to work as both a referee and a linesman.

Having played hockey throughout high school, Murphy began officiating as a student while attending the University of New Hampshire in 1983 and worked his way up from youth and adult games to New Hampshire high school games. Murphy made the switch to linesman when he began officiating Hockey East games during the 1986-87 NCAA season and went on to officiate the 1988 Beanpot, Hockey East and NCAA Frozen Four championship games.

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