Matt Pavelich, the first linesman inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, dies at 92

NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Pavelich, the first linesman inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, has died. He was 92.

The Hall of Fame announced his death Saturday, without providing details. His son Mark posted on social media about his father’s death Friday night.

Pavelich officiated games in 19 consecutive Stanley Cup Finals from 1961-79 as part of his 23 seasons working in the NHL. He took part in 1,727 regular season and 245 playoff games during that stretch before serving as the league’s supervisor of officials and going into the Hall in 1987.

Commissioner Gary Bettman called Pavelich a true icon of the profession.

“No linesman in the history of the National Hockey League was more universally respected nor more widely admired than Matt Pavelich,” Bettman said in a statement. “Pavelich personified professionalism and integrity while possessing a warm personal touch that enabled him to develop working relationships with players and coaches.”

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The Associated Press