# 60 PAT DAPUZZO, Linesman
Native of Hoboken, New Jersey will be officiating his second All-Star Game... started playing hockey in the Metropolitan League in New York with the famous Mullen brothers (Joe and Brian)... played hockey in the East Coast and American Hockey Leagues... officiated the 1994 All-Star game in New York... first NHL game was also in New York when the Rangers played the Calgary Flames (12/05/84)... as of Jan. 14 had officiated 1,531 regular season NHL games and 63 playoff games... worked his 1,500th game on March 3, 2007 (St. Louis Blues at New York Rangers)... International experience includes the 1991 Canada Cup.
How he started: Dapuzzo started officiating in 1974, ironically by getting a game misconduct in a high school game. The official who gave Pat his game misconduct was Tony Mariconda, a dedicated volunteer with the USA Hockey officiating program. Tony told Pat that if he thought it was so easy, he should try it himself. Dapuzzo, following instructions, did, and "it was best thing I ever did." Dapuzzo was hired full-time by the NHL for the 1985-86 season by the late John McCauley. He credits late Hall of Fame linesman John D'Amico as a mentor in helping him develop. D'Amico was a father figure to Pat; they were roommates at training camp for many years.
On working his 1,500 game: "I have been very fortunate to get the opportunity to officiate in the NHL, to meet great people in every city, it's been nice."
On being selected for the All-Star game: "I was very excited to Iearn I had been selected to officiate the All-Star Game. As it’s my last season in the League, I am pleased to have the opportunity to bring my family to the game to enjoy this hockey celebration - my oldest son was only about eight months when I officiated the All-Star game in New York in 1994. My three boys play competitive hockey and are looking forward to meeting some of their idols especially, Thornton and Ovechkin! We are thrilled to share this experience as a family."
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#26 ROB MARTELL, Referee
Selected to referee in his first NHL All-Star game... native of Winnipeg, Manitoba had officiated 448 NHL games as of Jan. 14... his father was a security representative for the Winnipeg Jets... played minor hockey in the Stonewall, Manitoba minor hockey association then went on to play in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League... started officiating his younger brothers' hockey games at the age of 13... worked in WHL for four years as a linesman... also worked the OHL, QMJHL, CCHA, IHL and AHL... worked two Turner Cup Finals and the IHL All-Star Game in 1996... enjoys playing golf, reading and helping coach in minor hockey programs in Florida.
On being selected for the All-Star game: "I am excited to be a part of the showcase that is the All Star game. It's a wonderful opportunity for my two boys to be involved in the entire weekend. My sons probably know more Marty Brodeur than Marty does himself. As young fans of the game, the opportunity to meet him, along with the other top players in the league, will be a thrill for both of them. The looks on their faces when they found out their dad was working the game and was going to bring them was priceless. To me, that was worth all the long road trips and the pressures of a long season doing the job of officiating we all love to do. It was an honor to be selected."
You okay little man?: "When I was working in the AHL, Zdeno Chara (6'9) was playing in the league for the Kentucky Thouroughblades. During a game one night there was a collision in the corner between Chara, another player and me. Needless to say, I ended up on the bottom of the pile with Chara on top of me. The linesman ended up blowing the whistle to stop play because I completely disappeared from view. Chara looked down at me and said "You okay little man?" I told him I was fine and as he was helping me get up, the Chumbawamba song line 'I get knocked down, but I get up again' was blaring from the arena speakers as the crowd enjoyed a little levity at my expense! My boys love that story and when we are watching a Bruins game and the announcers talk about Chara's size, they both chime in with "You okay little man?" followed by many chuckles".
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#61 LYLE SEITZ, Linesman
Native of Brooks, Alberta... selected to officiate in his first NHL All-Star Game... played hockey until high school and then began officiating local hockey... worked 1992 WHL All-Star game and 1992 Memorial Cup... first NHL game was Los Angeles against Calgary (10/07/92)... as of Jan. 14 has officiated 566 NHL games... in the off-season he coaches his kids' lacrosse team, operates several businesses and spends time with family at the cottage... involved with many elementary schools and local charities.
On being selected for the All-Star game: "After many years of being on the road and away from my family, the exciting part of the All-Star Game is having my family travel to Atlanta and attend the game with me. On a personal level, I am excited to be a part of the celebration but the chance to have my three children there outweighs any individual goals. It's always nice when family is able to share in an event of this magnitude."
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#23 BRAD WATSON, Referee
Native of Regina, Saskatchewan... this is his first NHL All-Star Game... played hockey in the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association... started officiating in the minor hockey system in Regina... International experience includes 1989 World Junior Championships, 1991 Izvestia Cup (Moscow), 1993 Spengler Cup, and 2004 World Cup... first NHL game was Ottawa at Pittsburgh (03/07/96)... had worked 582 NHL games as of Jan. 14... has officiated four Stanley Cup Final series (2003, 2004, 2006, 2007)... spends off-season in Denver with family... enjoys the outdoors, golfing and mountain bike riding... helps out with officiating camps and seminars in the Denver area in offseason... collects coins.
On being selected for the All-Star game: "It's always exciting to officiate an All-Star Game in any league you work. The NHL All-Star Game is the pinnacle of them all and to be selected to officiate the best players in the world is truly an honor. I look forward to sharing the experience with my fellow officials and their families. It's special for the players and officials to be part of a showcase event. I am excited to be going to Atlanta."
On passionate fans: "Officiating in the National Hockey League is a unique job that is very demanding and challenging. Not everyone can be a player at the NHL level but 18,000 fans think they can referee a game. Some nights you really hear it, but it is their passion for the game that makes life on the ice so exciting. When a fan has the chance (sitting beside me on a plane), our conversation usually becomes a Q & A session. After hearing the about the grinds of travel and days on the road it doesn't sound so glamorous, but they do love hearing my stories and experiences, especially involving 'their' team."
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