Kevin Haller was a freshman at York High School looking to focus on his academics, so he stopped playing hockey. He also then, at age 14 while living in Elmhurst, was looking for a job to earn some income. He went back to hockey.
Haller started officiating, mostly working U8 and U10 games. His parents drove him to various rinks, and he often officiated multiple games in a row.
“I remember being nervous before games, but as soon as I started to work more games and gain experience, everything started to go more smoothly,” said Haller, now 23 and living in Forest Park.
He is in his ninth season officiating, a top-tiered Level 4 official who already this season has been on the ice, with orange armbands, for some of the most high-profile local games. Such as, Glenbrook North vs. Glenbrook South in AHL play on November 26, Glenbrook North vs. Glenbrook South in SHL play on November 27 and New Trier Green vs. Saint Ignatius on December 1 in the five-overtime marathon for the championship of the 53rd annual O’Grady Thanksgiving Hockey Tournament hosted by Loyola Academy in Wilmette.
“I quickly discovered a whole new side of the game, with a fantastic community of officials,” Haller said. “At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the camaraderie and the challenges of officiating were incredibly rewarding. The community of officials in Illinois has been so welcoming, and that really helped me get hooked.”
Haller last season officiated about 70 games, mostly junior games, two or three per week, primarily in the NAHL and NA3HL, along with some Minnesota high school hockey.
This season, he can be spotted at many area rinks, except those in the far south or north suburbs. He officiates about 30 games a month, with busier months seeing 40-plus games. “It’s a great way to stay in shape while remaining involved in the game,” said Haller, whose officiating resume includes the 2019 Central District Officiating Camp, the 2021 USA Hockey Futures Camp, the Illinois High School Hockey State Championship at the United Center (Red Division), games in the USHL and the U14 National Championship in 2022.
“Each of these moments stands out for different reasons, from the intense competition to the chance to work alongside incredible officials, coaches and players. My time in the Advanced Officiating Development Program has been a cornerstone of my development. The program not only helped me on the ice, but also allowed me to build lifelong friendships with fellow officials.”
Haller said both GBN/GBS games in the days before Thanksgiving “were a blast.”
“The high school rivalries in Illinois are incredible and it’s always special when the schools draw big crowds,” he said. “The energy from the fans creates an electric atmosphere; you can really feel the passion from the players and coaches. When you step on the ice for games like that, you know it’s going to be a high-intensity experience.”
Also this season, Haller skated in the championship game at the ACHA Chicago Classic.
“I began with the AODP in 2020 as a linesman. In 2022, I transitioned to referee and moved to league housing in Saint Paul, Minnesota,” he said. “I worked full-time for two seasons before returning to Chicago and switching to part-time for the 2024-25 season. The opportunity to live and work in Minnesota was invaluable; it exposed me to a wider range of games and officiating experiences. During my time in Minnesota, I traveled across the country—from Louisiana to North Dakota to Alaska—working junior hockey.
“Those experiences taught me a lot, especially about the unique situations and dynamics of officiating in junior hockey. It was all in the three-official system, which taught me a lot as I was the only set of eyes out there for goals and penalties. I learned a great deal about staying alert and focused, as there’s a lot of responsibility when you’re the sole person responsible for calling key plays.”
This season, he’s primarily working youth hockey, with occasional games in the ACHA, USPHL, NA3HL and NAHL. He’s switched to part-time in the higher leagues to focus on school.
“IHOA’s Advanced Development Program gave me the opportunity to officiate higher-level games,” he said. “Joining (ADP) at (age) 16, I learned how to manage faster-paced games, especially at the Tier 1 and high school varsity levels. These experiences helped me build confidence and allowed me to refine my skills in a supportive environment. IHOA’s emphasis on mentorship has been invaluable; it’s helped me develop both as an official and a person.
“Higher-level games taught me valuable lessons in communication and game management. I learned the importance of being approachable and on the same page with coaches and players. At the higher levels, there is a lot of pressure, and you have to be calm under fire. I also gained a better understanding of which penalties to call to ensure the game is both fair and safe. When I officiate at the local level, I try to bring that same level of professionalism and communication.”
Off the ice, Haller is working toward pilot certifications after earning his private pilot license before moving to Minnesota.
“Being a pilot requires attention to detail and quick decision-making, both of which are skills that translate well to officiating. It helps keep me sharp in both areas,” he said.
Haller noted that IHOA played a crucial role in launching his career. “The education and support from more experienced officials through the ADP gave me the tools to improve and the confidence to officiate at higher levels,” he said. “The IHOA community has been there every step of the way, from giving feedback on calls to helping me manage difficult situations on the ice. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a supportive group of officials.”
Haller pays it forward mentoring younger, first-year IHOA officials and others. “I mentored Brian Smolicek, who was recovering from a back injury at the time and looking to get back on the ice,” Haller said. “Watching Brian improve each season was incredibly rewarding. He’s now a key part of our local officiating community, and it shows just how supportive our group of officials is.”
Haller was quick to praise many who have helped his striped path, including Brad Baumruck and the ADP staff, Jim Smith, Keith Kaval and Evan Davis, among others.
“Kevin Haller is rapidly establishing himself as a prominent figure in the realm of USA Hockey officiating,” Smith, Past President - USA Hockey and Head Coach - Hornets Sled Hockey Team, said. “As a young and talented referee, he has demonstrated a remarkable dedication to the sport, showcasing not only his skills on the ice but also his commitment to upholding the values of fair play and sportsmanship. Haller’s meticulous approach to officiating, combined with his deep understanding of the game, has earned him respect among players, coaches, and fellow officials alike. His ability to make quick, fair decisions under pressure reflects his passion for hockey and his desire to contribute positively to the game.”
Haller also has made significant strides in giving back to the community by coaching the local Hornets sled hockey team, which serves children with physical disabilities. “His involvement with this team highlights his commitment to inclusivity within the sport, ensuring that young athletes have the opportunity to experience the joys of hockey regardless of their physical challenges,” Smith said.
“Haller’s coaching not only enhances the skills of these young players but also instills confidence and fosters a sense of camaraderie among them. Through his dual roles as an official and a coach, Kevin Haller exemplifies the spirit of giving back to the game while inspiring the next generation.”