Matt Pavelich, the first linesman to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 92. The Associated Press reported his passing on October 31, 2026.
Pavelich officiated in the NHL for many years, including the 1974 Stanley Cup playoff semifinal between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden, where he was photographed breaking up a fight between Flyers forward Ross Lonsberry and Rangers goaltender Ed Giacomin.
His induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame recognized his pioneering role as an on-ice official. Further details about his career and survivors were not immediately available.
