The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is proud to recognize linesman Shawn Oliver, who has been named to the National Hockey League’s (NHL) officiating staff ahead of the 2025–26 season. At just 25 years of age, Shawn has already built a remarkable resume in the officiating world, moving quickly through the ranks while also representing Canada on some of the sport’s biggest international stages.
Shawn, who first joined the OHL during the 2019–20 season in his hometown of Ottawa, has been signed to a minor-league NHL contract and will primarily work in the American Hockey League this season, while also receiving opportunities in the NHL.
“It’s obviously a huge accomplishment coming out of the OHL and developing through the ranks,” said Shawn. “This season is going to be a big learning process, including understanding new systems and just about everything as to how they operate in the NHL. I’m going to soak it all up in the first year, ask as many questions as I can, and really learn from the veterans.”
Shawn credits the OHL as a key component of his development over the past five seasons. From working high-stakes conference finals to officiating on national television, he said the league has provided opportunities that have helped him prepare for the next level.
“The car rides with veteran officials after games were some of the best learning experiences,” he recalled. “You’re constantly debriefing, breaking down plays, and hearing how experienced officials see things. That really shaped the way I approach the job.”
His journey into officiating began unexpectedly. Shawn’s career as a skater was cut short after suffering an injury during one of his minor games. While recovering, he took up officiating as a way to get back on the ice, and soon discovered a passion that would later become his career path.
His resume already includes marquee assignments such as the 2023 Centennial Cup final, two World Junior Championships, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and multiple International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) tournaments. He was also on the lines for the longest Canadian University Men’s game ever at the 2025 University Cup, a five-overtime battle between Toronto Metropolitan University and Calgary’s Mount Royal.
“Yeah, that was the longest game that I have ever been a part of and one that I will never forget – it was quite a game and for sure a grind,” he recalled. “During the intermissions and breaks, we were just trying to hydrate and get as much nutrition as possible into our bodies. I was eating mustard packs in between periods, just trying to get rid of some cramping. One goal is going to end someone’s season, right? So, you always have that in the back of your mind. I think that’s what kept me focused and dialled in.”
For Shawn, moving into the NHL system is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. He embraces pressure as a privilege and uses golf as a training tool to sharpen his focus.
“The biggest thing for me is just trying to control that pressure and turn it into a positive,” he said. “I really like the Doc Rivers quote – ‘pressure is a privilege.’ If I’m ever thinking a little nervously, I’ll watch that scene on YouTube, and it fires me up. There aren’t many opportunities in life where you feel that amount of pressure, so you really have to enjoy it and take it all in.”
“I also find that if I can play a lot of golf and stay focused for hours on the course, then a two-hour hockey game really doesn’t feel that bad. It’s all about keeping your mind locked in.”
As Shawn prepares to embark on this next chapter, one moment in particular stands out on the horizon.
“I think the most exciting thing will just be my first NHL game and having my whole family there to support me,” he said. “It’s been a long journey to get here. I get emotional thinking about it. It’s going to be a big moment for everyone, and I cannot wait.”
From beginning his officiating career as a teenager to sharpening his skills in the OHL and representing Canada on the international stage, Shawn’s path has been defined by perseverance, passion, and a commitment to improving every day.
As he takes his next strides in the professional ranks, he carries with him not only the lessons of the past five years in the OHL but also the pride of knowing that his hard work has opened the door to a lifelong dream.
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• U.S. netminder Mason Hriczov signs with Rangers
• Firebirds ink third round pick Brayden Lappalainen
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• FloSports and OHL Enter Landmark Seven-Year Media Partnership
• Rolling out 2025-26 OHL Rule Changes
• OHL In The System: All 32 NHL Teams
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