Standout Stripes Featuring: Seamus Ross

For Seamus Ross, the path to becoming a top-notch referee started long before his first official game. Growing up in a hockey family, Seamus was always surrounded by the world of officiating, thanks to his father’s long career as a  Linesman in the AHL and Hockey East. From an early age, Seamus was fascinated by the referee role, often accompanying his dad to games and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an official.

In 2019, at just 14 years old, Seamus decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and take up officiating himself. He started with cross-ice and peewee games, steadily moving up through the ranks. In his second year, he took on midget-level games, and by the time he was a freshman in high school, Seamus officiated his first junior game alongside Casey Terrari for the Avalanche in Hooksett.

It didn’t take long for Seamus to develop into one of the most promising young officials. During his sophomore year, he was officiating junior games while also balancing his own high school hockey career. That same season, he had the honor of officiating his first college game for the NEWHA and working the USPHL playoffs at Cyclones, where he was selected to be a Linesman for both the Elite and EHLP championship games that year.
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As Seamus continued to grow in his officiating career, so did the level of competition he worked with. By his junior year, Seamus was officiating the USPHL Premier Finals and the Dineen Cup Finals in Long Island. Even as he focused on his final high school hockey season, Seamus remained dedicated to his refereeing career, officiating both the third-place game and the championship for the EHLP playoffs during his senior year.

The Impact of Ref's Crease
​A big part of Seamus’s development as an official has been the guidance he’s received from Ref's Crease, a community dedicated to shaping the future of hockey officials. Seamus credits the supervision staff at Ref's Crease for offering invaluable feedback and helping him grow into the skilled official he is today.

​The Monday Night Quarterback (MNQB) Zoom sessions have been particularly helpful for Seamus, allowing him to understand how supervisors expect games to be called and providing him with the tools to navigate the unpredictable situations that are inevitable in the fast-paced world of officiating.

Noteworthy Stories from the Ice
​As with any career, being a referee comes with its fair share of memorable moments. For Seamus, one of the most unforgettable stories took place during the EHLP championship in Providence. While there, he and fellow referee Ben Leaton found themselves sneaking into the NCAA regionals at the Amica Mutual Pavilion—twice—as the “back-up to the back-up officials.” While the experience was fun and lighthearted, it’s just one of the many unexpected adventures Seamus has had in his journey.

Another story that stands out for Seamus occurred during an ACHA game, where a fan threw a baseball-sized puck at a player’s head after it had been deflected out of play. Situations like these are part of what makes being a referee so challenging, but Seamus has learned how to handle difficult situations with professionalism and composure.

Advice for Aspiring Refs
For those just starting out in officiating, Seamus offers some invaluable advice: "Find a mentor and be open to learning from their experience. Accept every assignment, no matter the distance or level—never think you’re 'too good' for any game. Ask questions and do your homework before stepping on the ice; know the coaches, key players, enforcers, divers, and any history between the teams. Work as a team with your fellow officials and always have their backs. Own up to mistakes, address unprofessional behavior from coaches early, and rely on the rulebook—it’s your greatest asset."

This advice reflects Seamus’s humble and dedicated approach to officiating. He believes that learning is a lifelong process, and every game—whether big or small—offers an opportunity to grow as an official.

What Seamus Loves Most About Being a Ref
​For Seamus, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a referee is the relationships he’s built along the way. From fellow officials to coaches, players, and arena staff, the people he meets through officiating have made the experience all the more special. Seamus enjoys the camaraderie and mutual respect that comes from working as part of a team with fellow officials, especially when everyone works together to ensure the game is called fairly and consistently.

Seamus is a firm believer in the importance of fitness, and officiating is a job that demands peak performance on the ice.

A Standout Weekend at the USPHL Championships
Recently, Seamus had the honor of officiating the USPHL Premier National Championship series, which provided him with another unforgettable experience. Reflecting on the weekend, he says, “It was an honor to officiate another USPHL championship in such an exciting and competitive atmosphere. The opportunity to work with new teams and officials made for a memorable weekend filled with high-level hockey and valuable experiences. The intense competition and big-game environment provided me with invaluable experience that will help me as I continue advancing in higher-stakes hockey.”

Looking Ahead
​As Seamus continues to rise through the ranks of officiating, it’s clear that his commitment and dedication to his craft are key ingredients in his success. Whether he’s officiating junior games, college games, or USPHL championships, Seamus is one of the top names to watch in the world of hockey officiating. And when he’s not on the ice he’s watching his favorite NHL team, the Bruins being a true New England native.