Mark Verplaetse, a veteran hockey official from Minnesota, will be presented with the 2026 Chet Stewart Award at the USA Hockey President’s Awards Dinner in Denver on June 5.
Early Roots and the Spark of Officiating
Verplaetse’s fascination with the game began watching his sons play, a moment that set him on a path that would span more than four decades.
He first laced up skates in the early 1980s, teaching himself both the mechanics of skating and the intricate rulebook that governs play.
A Career Defined by Service
Since 1980 Verplaetse has officiated thousands of games, often juggling a schedule that once topped two hundred contests a year during his formative years.
His expertise earned him roles as an evaluator and mentor within the Minnesota district, where he has guided countless new officials since the turn of the millennium.
Shaping the Future of Officiating
Beyond the rink, Verplaetse has authored PowerPoint decks and video modules that distill complex concepts for aspiring referees, and he has served as the coordinator for the Minnesota Wild’s Level 1 Hockey Referee Seminar since 2022.
As the Minnesota District seminar coordinator since 2005, he continues to lead both in‑person and virtual sessions, ensuring that the next generation inherits his standards of consistency and professionalism.
The upcoming award ceremony will recognize not only his personal achievements but also the broader impact of his educational contributions, a testament to a career built on mentorship, innovation, and an unwavering love of the sport.