Ron Asselstine

Referee, Linesman

Ron Asselstine began his WHA officiating career as a promising referee until an incident on 5 December 1975 when he was assaulted by Gordie Howe in a game in Houston. Asselstine eventually returned to work following this incident, but, by his choice, as a linesman. He went on to a long, distinguished career in the WHA and later, the NHL, as a linesman that lasted until his retirement in 1997. Off the ice, he was presented the Caring Canadian Award in 2007 for his work with children.