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The NHL announced that Terry Gregson, the league's senior vice president and director of officiating, has decided to retire from the position. Gregson spent the last four years in the role, which came after 25-years as an on-ice official. He will still act as a consultant to the NHL and will assist in the league's participation with the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Veteran official Steven Walkom will retire as an on-ice official to replace Gregson effective immediately.Walkom previously held the position from 2005-09, before returning to the ice as an official.
"We are fortunate to have someone with Stephen's on- and off-ice experience ready to step in to this position," said NHL Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "From 2005 to 2009, Stephen provided tremendous direction and guidance to our team of officials as the League implemented several rule changes that brought more flow and speed to our game. That management experience, combined with the fact that he has been back on the ice as a referee for the last four years, will be of tremendous benefit to the League and the game."
Walkom began his career in the NHL in 1990 and served on the executive board of the NHL officials' association from 1993-2005, which included a term as the association's president.
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