Former Kitchener Ranger preparing to make his NHL debut as a referee

Liam Maaskant posed in a NHL referee's jersey. (Courtesy: NHL Officials Association)

A former Kitchener Rangers player is preparing to hit the ice in Buffalo, but he won’t be sporting a blue jersey.

Liam Maaskant, originally from Clinton, Ont., played for the Kitchener Rangers in 2014/2015. He served as the team’s captain before eventually moving on to join the Acadia University team.

On Thursday night, he’ll don the black and white stripes for his debut as an NHL referee as the Buffalo Sabres take on the Philadelphia Flyers in Buffalo.

The Rangers congratulated Maaskant on the milestone and shared a memory of his goal at the annual Teddy Bear Toss game that made the fur fly.

Former Captain, Liam Maaskant will make his NHL debut as a Referee tonight in Buffalo as the Sabres host the Flyers!

Congratulations, Liam 👏#RTown | #BattleBound https://t.co/K49qHg0J4R

— Kitchener Rangers (@OHLRangers) April 17, 2025