Ken Cox decided at a young age that getting involved in officiating hockey might be a lot fun and a good experience. Little did he know, at that time, that the success and respect he would gain during his 25+ years as an official would be so rewarding.
Cox’s officiating career really started with the arrival of the North Bay Centennials.
He was one of the first officials selected to regularly work those OHL games. As the opportunity to work games at this level grew, so did his ability, confidence and the respect gained from his fellow officials and players.
As was the case with fellow official, Steve Walkom, Ken’s stature in the hockey referee world grew as he moved south and more extensive opportunities presented themselves.
From the base he developed while working games in Northern Ontario, Ken went on to a 25-year career as an OHL linesman and 21 years as a linesman in the American Hockey League. He amassed a total of 1362 games including 1073 regular season games and 266 playoff games.
The pinnacle of junior hockey in Canada is the Memorial Cup, symbolizing the junior championship of Canada. Only the best are selected as officials to work the national championship and over his career Ken was selected to work a Canadian record 7 Memorial Cups.
Upon his retirement, Ken continues to give back to hockey as he serves as the OHL officiating manager and coordinator for new officials. He is also credited with initiating the first OHL Development Prospect Camp for aspiring officials.
An unassuming presence on and off the ice, Ken Cox set a high standard for amateur hockey officiating in Canada and maintained it over 2+ decades thus making him a worthy inductee into the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame. Cox will receive this recognition at the 43 rd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner to be held at the Davedi Club on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Tickets are available by calling Larry Tougas at 705-303-8104, Trista Grant at 705-472-0009, the Davedi Club at 705-474-4190, or by contacting any Board Member.
