Mike Cvik (born July 6, 1962) is a Canadian former National Hockey League linesman, who wore uniform number #88. At 6 foot, 9 Inches, Cvik was the same height as the NHL's tallest player, Zdeno Chára.[1] He worked more than 1800 NHL games, including his highlights such as the gold medal game at the 2002 Winter Olympics, the NHL All-Star Game and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Officiating career

A native of Calgary, Alberta, Cvik played minor hockey as a forward until he turned 17. Despite his size, Cvik was considered a "gentle giant"; he won awards for sportsmanship during his youth hockey days.[2] He turned to officiating after being asked to help out at one of his brother's games. Cvik quickly earned his certification and soon was officiating in the Western Hockey League (WHL).[3] Cvik officiated in the WHL for seven years,[3] and worked the 1986 Memorial Cup tournament.[4] Also in 1986, was hired by the National Hockey League (NHL).[5] Cvik made his NHL debut as a linesman on October 8, 1987, in a game between the St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks.[6]

Among his highlights as an official, Cvik worked the 1998 NHL All-Star Game, was on the ice when Wayne Gretzky scored his 802nd career goal to become the NHL's all-time scoring leader and officiated the gold medal game at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.[6] the 2015–16 NHL season is the 29th and final season of his career; Cvik's final game as an official was on January 6, 2016 in a game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Calgary Flames.[3] Cvik was honoured by the Flames and their fans with a tribute and standing ovation during the game, while the players lined up to shake his hand at its conclusion.[7] He was also named one of the game's three stars in arena and by the Rogers Sportsnet telecast.[8] Cvik retired having worked 1,868 regular season games – seventh all-time among NHL linesmen – and 90 post-season contests.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "Taking punch no tall order for referee Cvik". Archived from the original on 2015-11-25. Retrieved 2012-05-31.
  2. ↑ Konotopetz, Gyle (1992-01-26). "Cvik finding working lines can be hazardous to health". Calgary Herald. p. F1.
  3. 1 2 3 Francis, Eric (2016-01-05). "Goodbye to the big guy". Calgary Sun. p. S4.
  4. ↑ Fisher, Red (1989-01-02). "Habs coach Burns looks up to official". Montreal Gazette. p. C3.
  5. ↑ Dolic, Helen (1990-04-29). "Mike Cvic: Hockey". Calgary Herald. p. D6.
  6. 1 2 "Mike Cvic profile". National Hockey League Officials' Association. Retrieved 2016-01-05.
  7. 1 2 Cruickshank, Scott (2016-01-06). "Ramo Bolts the door shut". Calgary Herald. p. D1.
  8. ↑ Sportak, Randy (2016-01-06). "Flames snapshots". Calgary Sun. p. S4.
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