NCHC director of officiating Don Adam was inducted into to the Colorado Ice Hockey Referee Association Hall of Fame on June 12.
Adam, who has served as the NCHC’s only director of officiating since he started in Sept. 2012, is a native of Westminster, Colo., and has lived in Denver for much of his life. He was one of the top NCAA Division I officials in the nation for 24 seasons, including 22 years as a referee in the WCHA (and two as a linesman). Adam was chosen to work two NCAA Frozen Fours, five IIHF World Championships and two Olympic Games (1992 in Albertville, France and 1998 in Nagano, Japan).
“The induction on Sunday night was special because it was not representative of just one individual tournament or achievement, but the culmination of my entire career,” Adam said in a news release. “There is no greater honor than being recognized by friends and peers. It was truly special.”
Adam was an NHL referee trainee for three seasons, as well as an NHL-contracted official for one season (1993-94). Along with working AHL and IHL games, Adam became the first official from Colorado to sign a contract with the NHL and the first to officiate in the Olympics when he took part in the Albertville games when he was only 27 years old.
“Don Adam is one of the most respected people in all levels of hockey officiating,” noted NCHC commissioner Josh Fenton. “This well-deserved honor represents Don’s overall body of work and dedication to officiating. The membership of the NCHC is grateful to have him serve as our director of officials.”
Adam also previously oversaw officiating for the West Coast Hockey League and Central Hockey League, and served as a replay official for the Colorado Avalanche. Overall, he boasts more than 37 years of officiating experience, including extensive work with USA Hockey’s Officiating Development Program.
With the NCHC, Adam has assumed responsibility for comprising, training, developing and sustaining the conference’s officiating staff.
In addition to his work as an on- and off-ice official, Adam has served as a police officer in Louisville, Colo., for the past 13 years.
