Frederick L'Ecuyer is a former professional hockey player turned NHL referee, recognized for his notable officiating career and contributions to the sport. L’Ecuyer, originally from St-Tite, QC, a small town north of Trois-Rivières, made a notable transition from centerman to referee at the age of 16, swapping his hockey stick for a whistle to earn extra income while staying connected to the sport.
His exceptional skating skills and poise under pressure quickly propelled him into the provincial leagues. L’Ecuyer attributes much of his early success in officiating to Luc Durand, another St-Tite hockey official and a hometown friend, who served as a mentor during his formative years, providing a solid foundation.
After spending several years as a referee in the Quebec Provincial leagues, L’Ecuyer advanced to the QHJML as a linesman in August 1999. Concurrently, he graduated from the University of Trois-Rivieres (UQTR) with a Major in Business Administration and a Minor in Human Resources. While continuing to referee in the Provincial leagues, L’Ecuyer was promoted to a full-time referee in the QHJML in the summer of 2000 at the age of 23. During his brief tenure, he reached the Playoffs Semi-Finals in his first year.
In July 2001, L’Ecuyer received an invitation to the NHL Officiating Prospect Camp, held in Guelph, Ontario. Despite returning to the QHJML the next season, he received another invitation the following summer. This time, NHL officiating personnel noticed his talent and urged him to gain professional hockey experience by relocating to Texas to work in the now-defunct Central Hockey League (CHL). Over four full seasons in the CHL (2002-2006), L’Ecuyer worked the 2005 CHL All-Star Game in Laredo, TX, and officiated the CHL Finals in his last three seasons (2004, 2005 & 2006). He made his American Hockey League debut in the 2002-03 season, maintaining a dual focus on both the CHL and AHL.
In the summer of 2006, L’Ecuyer was hired by the National Hockey League under a minor league referee contract. His dedication and skills earned him a promotion to full-time NHL referee status in the summer of 2010, a decision made by NHL Director of Officiating Terry Gregson.
His debut game that season took place between the Buffalo Sabres and the Ottawa Senators at what is now referred to as the Canadian Tire Centre. Entering the Stanley Cup playoffs, L'Ecuyer marked his on-ice playoff debut in the 2011 postseason. With Rooney unable to continue, L'Ecuyer assumed officiating duties. In the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs, L'Ecuyer was selected as one of the 20 officials assigned to work regular games in the first round.
Frederick L'Ecuyer Salary
Unfortunately, the exact salary of NHL referees like Frederick L'Ecuyer is not publicly disclosed. The National Hockey League Officials' Association (NHLOA) negotiates their contracts with the NHL, and the terms are kept confidential.
Based on reports and analysis, NHL referees are estimated to earn anywhere from $150,000 to $500,000 annually. This range can vary depending on experience, performance, and playoff participation. L'Ecuyer has been a full-time NHL referee since 2010 and has officiated in numerous regular season and playoff games, including the Stanley Cup playoffs. Referees who officiate in playoff games earn additional compensation. L'Ecuyer has officiated in playoff games, further influencing his potential salary.
Based on this information, we can estimate that Frederick L'Ecuyer's salary is likely in the range of $300,000 to $400,000 per year.
FAQs
A: Frederick L'Ecuyer transitioned from being a centerman to a referee at the age of 16, originating from St-Tite, QC. He made this shift to earn extra income while staying connected to the sport.
A: Luc Durand, another St-Tite hockey official and a hometown friend, served as a mentor to L'Ecuyer during his formative years, providing him with a solid foundation in officiating.
A: L'Ecuyer was promoted to full-time NHL referee status in the summer of 2010, a decision made by NHL Director of Officiating Terry Gregson.
A: Before joining the NHL, L'Ecuyer officiated in the Quebec Provincial leagues, the QHJML, the Central Hockey League (CHL) in Texas, and the American Hockey League (AHL).
A: The salary of NHL referees, including Frederick L'Ecuyer, is not publicly disclosed. For L'Ecuyer, with his extensive experience, the estimate is likely in the range of $300,000 to $400,000 per year.
