11/08/2025
We are saddened to learn of the passing of legendary NHL linesman and Miltonian Leon Stickle, who was an inductee in our Class of 2019. Since that time, Leon has supported the Hall in many ways, including speaking to young athletes at our summer camps, and delivering welcome to the Hall of Fame speeches to new incoming inductees like the Class of 2020. A friend to many, he was especially remembered for his work with fellow Milton NHL referee, the late Bruce Hood. We extend our deepest sympathies to Leon's family and friends, and to all those who came to know and love him. Here is the bio and video (Courtesy Yourtv Halton) that was used to welcome him into the Milton Sports Hall of Fame in 2019:
"Leon Stickle spent his entire life in hockey, starting out as a young minor player, before his esteemed 27-year career as an NHL linesman.
After starting with the Sarnia Junior “B” Legionnaires, Leon also excelled for several seasons with the O.H.A. Junior “C” Milton Merchants hockey team, where in 1965-66 he was among the team scoring leaders.
During his NHL career, Leon officiated six Stanley Cup finals, 2,069 regular season games, 206 playoff games, two Canada Cups, the 1979 Challenge Cup and Rendez-vous ’87.
He also officiated four NHL All-Star Games, including 1975 in Montreal, 1978 in Buffalo, NY, 1983 in Long Island, NY, and 1997 in San Jose, CA.
After retiring as an NHL linesman in 1998, Leon joined the Western Professional Hockey League, where he spent three seasons as supervisor of officials before being named director of officiating in 2000. He was then named NHL’s supervisor of officials in 2003.
Leon continues to be involved in hockey today working with the Ontario Hockey League and Central Hockey League to develop younger officials starting out in their careers."
