Referee Stéphane Rochette

Referee Stéphane Rochette will have his Spengler Cup premiere this year. He's especially looking forward to refereeing one of Team Canada's games.

Stéphane Rochette, what prompted you as a Canadian to become a professional hockey referee in Switzerland?
Stéphane Rochette: It was a coincidence. I came to Neuchâtel as a player-coach at the beginning of the 1990s. In 1998, when I was 30, I decided to focus on becoming a referee. I have been refereeing in both Canada and Switzerland since then.

Was it ever your dream to become a professional referee?
Stéphane Rochette: I refereed junior league games in Canada since I was 14; but it was actually my dream to become a professional hockey player.

What are the differences between North American hockey and the hockey played in Switzerland?
Stéphane Rochette: The level of Switzerland's National League A is excellent and the clubs are organized very professionally. But the level in the NHL is still a bit higher: The differences between the individual players within one team are smaller in North America, whereas the starting line-up is usually considerably stronger than the team's other players in Switzerland. The same is also true for the referees: Competition among referees is a lot stronger in Canada. But the Swiss referees' level is high- especially compared to the other European leagues. This is also appreciated abroad.

What does being nominated for the Spengler Cup mean to you?
Stéphane Rochette: It's an honour to be nominated. I'm especially looking forward to refereeing one of Team Canada's games.