Richard “Dick” Brinkman

Dick’s love of hockey started when he began playing as a teen in the MUNY League. His love of hockey and dedication and commitment to hockey officiating, dramatically shaped and improved hockey officiating in the Buffalo area, New York State, AHAUS (USA Hockey) and Internationally. He led the founding of many officiating groups in the Buffalo area such as Kenton Officials Association, Niagara Frontier Officials Association and New York State Hockey officials Association.

In 1971 He was named Referee in Chief for the North American Hockey league. From 1979 to 1991 Dick was appointed by USA Hockey to serve on the National Rules Committee. At the same time he was appointed Referee in Chief for the New York District.

In 1980 Disk had the honor of being part of the Olympics in Lake Placid, where he was the Supervisor of the 44 Off ice Officials for what is now know as the Miracle on Ice for the USA.

In 1991 he went to work for USA Hockey as Director of Adult Hockey and Arena Relations.