Former Columbus Blue Jackets Defenseman To Make ECHL Officiating Debut Tonight

Former Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Kevin Connauton recently retired from professional hockey after 16 seasons, which included 9 in the NHL. 

Connauton played 81 games and had 27 points for the Blue Jackets from 2014 to 2016.

He is staying in hockey after retiring though. 

Kevin Connauton will make his professional debut tonight as a referee when he takes the ice to officiate an ECHL game between the New Mexico Goatheads and the Idaho Steelheads in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. 

He will be one of the two referee's to go along with the two linesmen. 

According to ScoutingTheRefs.com, Connauton was at the British Columbia Hockey League’s officiating combine in Prague, and was chosen to be a part of the BCHL's officiating team for this season. 

Connauton will be looking to become the first NHL player since Dean Morton to ref an NHL game. If he can become a good referee, he should rise through the levels pretty fast. 

Connauton will wear #56. 

Next Up For Columbus: The Blue Jackets are back home on Saturday to play the New York Rangers.   

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