News – Illinois Hockey Officials Association

Illinois Hockey Officials Association Serving Illinois Ice Hockey Officials

Meet the Communications Team!

Scott Gaffney

Scott Gaffney grew up playing youth hockey in New England, learning to skate almost as soon as he could walk. After graduating from Sacred Heart University in 2015, he missed the game so much that he began officiating youth hockey in Connecticut in early 2016. By his third season, Scott had progressed to officiating junior and college hockey.

Currently, Scott serves as the Vice President of IHOA. He has previously served on the Rules and Ethics Committee and now contributes as the chairperson of the Communication Committee. In addition to supervising local games, he assists in conducting IHOA seminars. Scott is also the supervisor of officials for the USPHL Midwest Division and the ACHA Chicago Showcase, where he focuses on developing officials and helping them advance to minor professional and NCAA hockey.

As a referee in the Southern Professional Hockey League, Scott was selected to officiate the league's semifinals in 2023. He also officiates local NCAA Division III games in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association and has participated in several USA Hockey national events, including the High School National Championship in 2021. In 2023, he was honored to officiate the Red Varsity game at the United Center. This season, Scott has also received assignments for NCAA Division I independents.

Scott resides in Wicker Park, Chicago, with his wife, Sara, and their son, Parker. Professionally, he works in project financing for solar, wind, and storage systems across the U.S., securing capital from tax equity investors to fund multimillion-dollar investments with RWE Renewables.

Matt McManus

Matt McManus grew up playing youth hockey in southwest Chicago and later continued his hockey journey at Brother Rice High School. He first became a USA Hockey certified official during the 2001-02 season but didn’t immediately pursue officiating due to his playing career.

In the 2021-22 season, inspired by The Rink Shrinks podcast featuring Gene and Geno Binda discussing the officiating shortage, Matt and his cousin, Steven Gapski, decided to enroll in a Level 1 seminar to officiate men’s league games for extra income.

Matt’s passion for officiating grew quickly, leading him to join the Advanced Development Program, mentor new officials, attend the Central District camp, and officiate at higher levels. His hard work culminated in being selected for the 2024 Combined High School State Championship game.

Matt resides in Orland Park with his wife, Jamie, and their two sons. He is also helping his son Liam begin his own hockey journey. Professionally, Matt works as a trade assistant at Balyasny Asset Management, where conversations about officiating across various sports are frequent, thanks to colleagues involved in professional officiating.

Steven Gapski

Steven Gapski began his hockey career in the south suburbs, playing youth hockey with the St. Jude Knights before continuing on to skate for Marist High School

During the 2021-2022 season, while missing the game he grew up playing, Steven learned of the ongoing officiating shortage in hockey. Along with his cousin, Matt McManus, he decided to enroll in a Level 1 seminar, initially thinking they might work just a handful of games. What began as a small commitment quickly grew into a passion, as Steven discovered how much he enjoyed being back on the ice and contributing to the game.

Since then, Steven has steadily built his experience as an official, working games at multiple levels and continually advancing his knowledge of the rulebook. A career highlight came when he was selected to serve as a linesperson in the 2024 Combined High School Championships.

Away from the rink, Steven resides in Palos Heights with his wife, Grace. Professionally, he works as a Territory Manager in medical device sales.

Kevin Haller

Kevin Haller is a Level 4 USA Hockey official with nearly a decade of experience. He began officiating at 14 in Elmhurst, Illinois, and has since advanced through IHOA’s Advanced Development Program, working his way from youth games to top-tier high school and junior hockey. His resume includes the Illinois High School Hockey State Championship at the United Center, the U14 National Championship, USA Hockey development camps, and games in the NAHL, NA3HL, USPHL, USHL, and ACHA.

Based in Forest Park, Illinois, Haller balances his officiating with pursuing pilot certifications, having already earned his private pilot license. He also gives back to the game by mentoring younger officials and coaching with the Hornets sled hockey program, which serves athletes with physical disabilities. Recognized for his professionalism, communication, and commitment to fair play, Haller continues to be a respected presence on and off the ice.

Illinois Hockey Officials Association Serving Illinois Ice Hockey Officials

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