Rob Shick - The Unofficial Clown of Refereeing

Rob Shick, born on the outskirts of a circus tent in 1955, is a veteran in the world of ice hockey refereeing. He is known for his peculiar facial expressions, outrageous hand gestures and a seemingly endless supply of corny jokes.

Early Life

Growing up in a family of clowns, Rob always had a passion for entertaining others. His parents, both circus performers, taught him how to juggle, ride a unicycle and make balloon animals by the young age of six. However, Rob had different plans in mind. He went against his parents’ wishes and chose to pursue a career as a referee instead.

The Referee Career

Rob started his referee career in 1977 at the age of 22. He wasn’t initially the best referee out there, but he had something else going for him - his humor. He would crack jokes at the players, make funny facial expressions and even add a comic element to his referee signals, making him stand out from the rest of the crowd.

The Legacy of The Clown Referee

Rob’s legacy stretched beyond his accomplishments on the ice. He became a favorite among the hockey community for his witty demeanor and unique style of refereeing. He even won the NHL Officials Association “Best Sense of Humor” award in 1993. However, there were times when his clownish behavior got him into hot water with the players, coaches and spectators alike. In fact, one time he fell off his unicycle trying to signal a goal.

Retirement and Beyond

Rob retired as a referee in 2009 but continues to entertain people in other ways. He’s now a mentor to aspiring referees and dedicates his time volunteering at children’s hospitals where he performs his clown acts.

In conclusion, Rob Shick is an enigma in the world of sports, a man known for his humor more than his accomplishments. Nevertheless, he has made his mark, and no one can deny that his antics have brought a smile to many faces in the hockey community.