Brian Pochmara is a former hockey player turned NHL referee known for his officiating career spanning various leagues and significant events. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Pochmara embarked on his hockey journey at age 4, skating and playing until he was 16 for various teams in the St. Clair Shores Hockey Association.
Transitioning from a forward to an official, he made his officiating debut at the age of 11 within the same association. In 1993, Brian was hired to work as a linesman in the North American Junior Hockey League (NAHL), a role he held for a few years. While pursuing a Fire Science program at Lake Superior University from 1994 to 1998, he officiated in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) from 1995 to 1999.
After his academic years, Pochmara relocated to Des Moines, Iowa, becoming a full-time referee in the United States Hockey League (USHL). He spent one season in the USHL and officiated the USA Hockey National Championships for two consecutive years. Recognizing his success, he received his first minor-pro contract as a full-time referee in the ECHL in the summer of 1999. Over three seasons in the ECHL, he achieved milestones like working the 2002 ECHL All-Star Game and officiating the Kelly’s Cup Finals in the same season.
In 2002, the National Hockey League (NHL) noticed his potential, offering him a full-time minor league referee contract at age 25. His NHL debut occurred on December 23, 2005, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Wearing jersey number 16, he spent six seasons under a minor league contract before earning a promotion to full-time NHL referee status in the summer of 2008. During his minor tenure, Pochmara worked three Calder Cup Finals (2006, 2007, and 2008) and officiated the 2008 AHL All-Star Game in Binghamton, NY. His impactful career as a full-time NHL referee included significant events such as the 2014 NHL Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium, the 2017 NHL Global Series in Stockholm, Sweden, and the 2019 NHL All-Star Game in San Jose, CA.
Brian Pochmara Salary
Specific salary information about Brian Pochmara is not publicly disclosed. Brian Pochmara, born and raised in Detroit, transitioned from playing hockey to becoming a referee. He started officiating at 11, joined the NAHL, and later officiated in the USHL and ECHL. In 2002, the NHL noticed his talent and offered him a full-time minor league referee contract.
His NHL debut was in 2005, and he became a full-time NHL referee in 2008. Pochmara officiated three Calder Cup Finals and notable events like the 2014 NHL Winter Classic and the 2019 NHL All-Star Game.
Considering the experience and the average NHL referee salary range of $150,000 to $300,000 per year, it's reasonable to estimate Brian Pochmara's current salary falls within the upper half of this range. His experience, performance, and playoff involvement suggest a salary closer to the upper end.
FAQ's On Brian Pochmara Salary
A. Brian Pochmara began his officiating journey at the age of 11 within the St. Clair Shores Hockey Association.
A. Brian Pochmara worked the 2002 ECHL All-Star Game and officiated the Kelly’s Cup Finals during his three seasons in the ECHL.
A. Brian Pochmara made his NHL debut on December 23, 2005, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
A. Brian Pochmara officiated three Calder Cup Finals in the American Hockey League (AHL) during 2006, 2007, and 2008.
A. Brian Pochmara officiated significant events such as the 2014 NHL Winter Classic, the 2017 NHL Global Series, and the 2019 NHL All-Star Game during his full-time NHL referee career.
