The ECHL has officially named the officiating crew for the 2026 Kelly Cup Conference Finals. A total of 10 referees and 10 linesmen will be assigned to the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, with selections based on standout performances in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The list includes multiple first-time Conference Finals assignments, highlighting the league’s commitment to recognizing top officiating talent.
Among the referees, Emile Charron and Alex Rook will each make their first appearance in the Conference Finals. Logan Gruhl brings the most experience to the crew with five prior Conference Finals assignments. Tyler Hascall and Jamie Pavia each have four and one previous assignments respectively, while Will Kelly and Brendan Schreider round out the experienced group with two each. The linesmen feature Bryan Gorcoff and Matthew Heinen with five Conference Finals appearances apiece, the most on the crew.
“These 20 officials have been selected based on the merit of their performance through the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs,” said ECHL Manager of Officiating Operations Casey Terreri. “Earning the opportunity to work the Conference Finals is a major accomplishment for each and every one of them.”
The Eastern Conference Finals will feature the Florida Everblades hosting the first two games against the Wheeling Nailers. The series is scheduled to begin on Friday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET and continue on Saturday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Western Conference Finals will see the Kansas City Mavericks host the first two games against the Fort Wayne Komets starting on Friday, May 22 at 7:05 p.m. CT.
With the series dates set, the officials will be responsible for managing high-intensity playoff hockey across both conferences. The Everblades and Wheeling will meet for the third time in the 2026 Kelly Cup Playoffs, while the Mavericks and Komets will face off for the second time in the postseason. The officials’ performance will be closely watched as the teams push for a spot in the Kelly Cup Finals.
The next step for all four teams is to secure a conference title. The winners of each Conference Finals will advance to the Kelly Cup Finals, which are expected to begin the following week.
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