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Brad Meier
Brad Meier's path to becoming a renowned NHL referee is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. Born in Ohio, U.S., his early years were influenced by watching his father Ron play for the Dayton Gems of the International Hockey League (IHL). When he was nine years old, the Meier family returned to his parents’ home province of Saskatchewan, settling in Saskatoon.
Embracing his hockey roots, Meier would excel as a player to reach the junior ‘B’ level while pursuing degrees at the University of Saskatchewan simultaneously. He embarked on his officiating journey at age 12, almost by accident, when he filled in at one of his younger brother Perry’s games because no referee was available. Meier continued to climb the officiating ladder, making a mark in various leagues throughout Saskatchewan while also working for the Saskatoon Fire Department.
In 1987, Meier achieved a promotion when he entered the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he officiated for 12 seasons. Recognition of his on-ice prowess resulted in professional opportunities across leagues like the American Hockey League (AHL), West Coast Hockey League (WCHL), and IHL. He attained the highest level of officiating certification from Hockey Canada and officiated international competitions such as the 1995 World Juniors, 1996 World Championships and the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
A life-changing opportunity came in 1998 when the NHL extended an officiating contract to him. Seizing the opportunity, Meier retired as a firefighter to focus entirely on this new endeavour. After two seasons split between AHL and NHL games, Meier earned full-time NHL referee status in 2000, a position he held until his retirement in 2022.
Over his illustrious NHL career, Meier officiated 1,459 regular-season and 97 playoff games. Other career high-lights included working the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, the 2017 Stanley Cup final, the 2017 Centennial Classic as well as the 2011 and 2019 Heritage Classics in the Prairies.
Meier's journey stands as an inspiring chapter in the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame's official category, celebrating a remarkable career that spans international borders.