Ron Wicks, who, upon his retirement, had refereed the most games in National Hockey League history, has been hired as National Lacrosse League Director of Officials, Commissioner John Livsey announced today.

Wicks, 58, will be responsible for observing and evaluating officials, including reviewing game film, and recruiting new officials. In addition, he will take part in the NLL’s Competition/Rules Committee and schedule crews for all games. He will work closely with NLL Director of Lacrosse Operations and Player Personnel Jim Cahill.

"We are very fortunate to have Ron Wicks as part of our front office," Mr. Livsey said. "He personifies our commitment to developing a first-class league at all levels of our operation."

Though best known for his involvement with hockey, Wicks brings a lacrosse background as well. He refereed in the Ontario Lacrosse Association in the mid-1970s. He was also the General Manager of Team Canada in 1978 when they defeated the United States 17-16 in Manchester, England for the World Field Lacrosse Championship. Four years later his involvement with the World Championships was as a referee.

Wicks began refereeing in 1957 in Sudbury, Ontario. He moved to the NHL as a linesman in 1960, becoming the youngest official in league history on his 20th birthday. In 1964 he began refereeing in the American and International Hockey Leagues. He made his first appearance as a referee in an NHL game in November of 1966. Wicks also refereed in the Central and Western Hockey Leagues. On December 14, 1985 he worked his 1,034th game, breaking Bruce Hood’s record. During his officiating career he also refereed Stanley Cup, All-Star, and Canada Cup games. Wicks retired in 1986, finishing his 26-year professional career (23 in the NHL) with 1,067 games as a referee and close to 2,000 as a referee and linesman. At the time of his retirement, he was called "as honest and straightforward as they come" and "a hard working guy" by former NHL coach Don Cherry, now a studio analyst on CBC’s Hockey Night In Canada.

Wicks resides in Brampton, Ontario with his wife Barb and son Brian. They also have a daughter, Lisa.