Don Koharski completed a 32-year on-ice NHL career and has been one of the top officials in the National Hockey League, refereeing over 1,500 NHL games. He has had the honour of refereeing 1,506 regular-season games, 235 playoff games, 11 Stanley Cup finals, Canada Cup finals in 1987 and 1991, and NHL All-Star games in 1992 and 2000.

In 1996, Koharski was recognized for refereeing his 1,000th NHL game, and in 2006, he was honoured for his 1,500th game. He is currently the NHL’s second most senior official behind referee Kerry Fraser. This past year, Koharski was invited to be the Honorary Referee-In-Chief of the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships held here in Halifax.

Not only has he made it to the big leagues, but, through his hockey official training camps, he has allowed at least three others to reach the NHL along with him. With his leadership and knowledge of hockey, he has influenced those he has taught and all others who strive to officiate in the NHL.