Appreciating our Referees - Our First Feature in “Get to know Them”

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August 23, 2025

Beyond the Whistle - Mike Gordon

by Jaden Ho | Aug 20, 2025 | Development

It’s been a long road with hockey for Mike Gordon, a veteran official in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) and the winner of the 2024 Gus Gordon Memorial Officials Award.

Gordon got his introduction to hockey when his parents signed him up for a “Learn to Skate” program in Scarborough. To start, he was not a fan.  

“I did not enjoy pushing a chair around the ice for hours on end, week after week.” said Gordon. “I was five years old.” 

It wasn’t until the Learn to Skate program ended, and the organized games began, that Gordon started to truly fall in love with the game. It was his passion for the sport that inspired Gordon to begin officiating years later, out of a desire to become a better player.  

“At that time, I was playing ‘AA’ for the [Toronto East Enders]. We were a team that took a lot of penalties,” Gordon said, who added that he took his fair share of trips to the box. “Our reputation preceded us throughout the league, and I felt that we did not get the benefit of most calls.” 

Determined to learn the rules for his team benefit, Gordon began officiating at the Scarborough City Cougars House League. Although, while developing a deeper understanding of the rules was his top priority, spare cash was an extra motivator for Gordon.  

“Hair gel and bus fare in the [1990s] was getting expensive and I needed to start supporting myself!” laughed Gordon. 

In the years since his humble beginnings, Gordon has skated countless games, sharing the ice with more fellow officials than he can count. It’s the connection he feels with those fellow officials that keeps him coming back year after year. 

“I played hockey for a very long time and had hundreds of teammates, many of which I can’t remember,” Gordon explained. “But if I work a game with someone, I feel a connection because we battled together for the benefit and experience of players. Some games which pose crazy situations or personalities make those connections stronger.” 

As one of the most seasoned officials in the GTHL, Gordon’s list of career highlights is lengthy. Between triple overtime playoff games to receiving the Gus Gordon Memorial Officials Award as the GTHL’s top official in 2024, one moment stands out above the rest. 

“Without question, the highlight of my officiating career was representing the GTHL in Finland in 2010,” said Gordon. “The pride I felt, and still feel, wearing the GTHL crest overseas is hard to put into words. I refereed five games in Helsinki, and doing so with my close friend Michael Williams-Bell, is something I’ll never forget.” 

Becoming one of the most experienced and decorated officials in the GTHL over the last three decades hasn’t always been an easy road for Gordon. He recounts the challenges and sacrifices that he’s had to make to get to where he is today.  

“The biggest challenge is the constant pressure to be right,” Gordon said. “Don’t get me wrong; I thrive on that pressure. I love the challenge. But when I’ve had bad games or missed calls, it stays with me, and I dwell on it sometimes.” 

The time commitment officiating requires has also proven to be one of the most challenging aspects for Gordon and his family.  

“Managing time away from my family while officiating is challenging. My son is about to begin his first season in the GTHL, and my daughter is a competitive dancer,” Gordon said. “Their schedules are busy. It’s tough saying goodnight to them following dinner so I can fight traffic to get to the arena.”  

“My wife likes to see me as well,” Gordon added, joking that she doesn’t mind getting the television to herself while he’s on the ice.  

Off the ice, Gordon is a teacher, and he sees similarities between the students in his classroom and the players he officiates on the ice.  

“I’ve learned that the students I teach and the players I officiate are on their own path of learning and are going to make mistakes,” Gordon said. “How I deal with mistakes by players and students is similar: support and understanding. Knowing why these errors (or penalties) happen, helps me address the problem and try to prevent it in the future.” 

Between his years of experience both as an official and a teacher, Gordon is in a unique position to offer guidance to younger officials. The advice he gives to new and aspiring officials is threefold.  

“Observe. Watch what senior officials do, how they respond to difficult situations and how they communicate. When learning to officiate, listen and ask questions.” 

“Hustle. When people see that you’re working hard, skating, and putting forth your best effort, you will gain respect faster and be given the benefit of the doubt by players, coaches, spectators, and your partners.” 

“Have fun. Crack jokes, share stories, be present. Some nights are difficult. If you are demonstrating negative attitude or body language while working, the players and coaches won’t make it any easier on you.” 

Even with his depth of experience and wisdom, Gordon knows that mistakes are inevitable, and encourages everyone involved with the game to remember that referees are just like everyone else.  

“We come from all areas of society,” Gordon said. “I’ve worked with lawyers, teachers, construction workers, TTC drivers, accountants, and even a funeral home owner.”

“We have bad days, bills to pay, and stress just like everyone else,” he continued. “So just take a breath before you yell at a referee for an offside or an icing that may have been missed by a centimetre or two. We’re trying. We’re human.” 

From pushing a chair around the ice at Mid-Scarborough Arena, to representing the GTHL across the Atlantic, Gordon is grateful for the community and opportunities that officiating has afforded him.  

“I enjoy the brotherhood and sisterhood of officiating, [and] remaining part of the game I love so much.” 

Salute to the Stripes

 Upon the ice where tempers flare,
And skates cut deep through frosty air,
Stand guardians cloaked in black and white,
The keepers of balance, of fair and right.

 They whistle sharp, they wave the hand,
Guiding chaos with steady command.
When the crowd roars loud with doubt or cheer,
They face the noise, but never veer.

It’s easy to grumble, to point, to blame,
But without their watch, there is no game.
Respect the call, the courage, the view,
For referees guard the love we pursue.

 So tip your hat, or tap your stick,
A simple gesture, subtle, quick.
For in their stripes, they bear the weight,
To let our battles decide by fate.

Compliment them—though it’s rarely said,
They keep the game honest, the spirit fed.
And when the puck drops, fast and true,
The game owes much to the stripes… not just the crew.

Thank You Referees

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