Hockey World Mourns the Passing of Long-Time NHL Linesman Will Norris
Photo credit: NHL Public Relations
The hockey world is mourning the passing of a former NHL linesman, who gave nearly two decades of his life to being an on-ice official in the league.
2025 has been a tough year in the hockey community following the passing of some former NHLers including ex-Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Mark Laforest earlier this month.
Unfortunately, there's some more sad news to share on Tuesday after the National Hockey League announced the passing of one of their long-time officials who spent nearly 20 years in an on-ice role.
Former NHL linesman Will Norris passes away
In a social media post this afternoon, the National Hockey League shared that Will Norris, a long-time linesman who appeared in over 1,500 games between the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs, has passed away.
"The NHL mourns the passing of linesman Will Norris, who officiated 1,500+ NHL games, from his debut on Christmas Day 1966 through the 1984-85 season, before taking on an officiating management role with the League. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues." the NHL's Public Relations account said on X.
Norris began his officiating journey at the age of 17 and just two years later started appearing in Junior A leagues in Ontario and later on in his career, refereed at the 1965 Memorial Cup in Edmonton, Alberta where the Niagara Falls Flyers, led by Bernie Parent, won 4 games to 1.
On Christmas Day 1966, Norris made the jump to the National Hockey League when he was assigned to work at Boston Garden as the Toronto Maple Leafs took on the Bruins.
Less than two years later, the Alma, Ontario native made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut as the Boston Bruins took on the Montreal Canadiens at the Forum in Game 1 of their quarter-final series. Montreal would win the game by a score of 2-1 thanks to goals from Henri Richard and Claude Provost.
A little over a decade after making his debut in the National Hockey League, Norris was assigned to work the 1974 All-Star Game at Chicago Stadium which featured some of the greatest players to ever lace up the skates including Henri Richard, Phil Esposito, Stan Mikita, among others.
When Norris' time as a National Hockey League linesman came to a close in 1985, he had worked 1,496 regular season games and 86 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The thoughts of everyone here at Canucks Daily is with the friends and family of Will Norris at this difficult time.
Previously on CanucksDaily
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