New Linesman

Bryan Pancich will never forget the day he received the “call” from the NHL. What started as another summer morning trip to the gym turned into something he will never forget as he was invited to Toronto for a meeting with Stephen Walkom and Terry Gregson. The dream of a young boy who played the game in a youth program of less than 300, from a state with an entire population less than many cities, turned into reality when he was hired as a “40/40” linesman. This contract will see him working games in both the National Hockey League and American Hockey League.

Pancich was born in Great Falls, MT and moved to Billings, MT when very young. Montana isn’t exactly a hot bed for hockey so most of his “home games” were played 400 miles away in southern Saskatchewan. This meant long road trips for his parents, driving two or three weekends a month. Bryan can’t thank his parents, Terry and Lynda, enough for the dedication and support that allowed him and his older brother, Brad, to play youth hockey.

While he began officiating at the age of 12 as a way to earn some extra money and pay for his hockey equipment, the Montana native saw his officiating career actually begin during his junior year of high school when his midget hockey coach at the time, Pat Picicci, introduced him to Scott Brand. He began working junior hockey in the America West Hockey League for Scott the following year. After graduation from high school Bryan attended Montana State University studying courses in Health and Human Promotion. The next eight seasons took him from living in Bozeman, MT to Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL. Bryan worked virtually every junior league and minor pro league over these seasons having success along the way. He was selected to 4 USHL Finals, 3 USHL All-Star Games, and 5 AHL Finals over his 9 years in the Junior Officiating Program.

Bryan is grateful for his family, friends, fellow officials, and mentors along the way. “This opportunity wouldn’t be possible without their support and guidance.” He looks forward to sharing the experience with them when he receives his 1st NHL assignment.

The NHLOA and its Members would like to wish Bryan all the best and the greatest success as he begins his new career.