Standout Stripes: Featuring Zac Benedetto

Zac Benedetto’s officiating journey began at just 14 years old, and now in his sixth year on the ice, he continues to climb the ranks while balancing life as a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire. Zac currently works youth, junior, and college hockey — including assignments in the Atlantic for Gene — and has quickly built a reputation as a hardworking, coachable official who takes pride in his craft.

​Hockey has always been a family affair. With brothers who played and a father deeply involved in the game, Zac grew up around the rink and was naturally drawn to officiating. What started as a way to stay involved in the game has grown into a serious pursuit of advancement and development within the officiating ranks.

How Referee’s Crease Made an Impact

Zac credits Referee’s Crease with playing a major role in his growth as an official.

“I have been given opportunities I may have never even gotten without the support of Referee’s Crease,” Zac shared. “All of the assignors are also very open to having a conversation with you about a game and a situation that has come up.”

One of the biggest development tools came through summer camps, where Zac was able to get meaningful ice time while also sharpening his game off the ice. The combination of live reps, classroom sessions, and video review — including breakdowns of his games — provided valuable feedback and helped increase his visibility for advancement decisions.

Memorable Moments

Like many officials, Zac has already collected a few standout memories along the way.

One unique experience was refereeing games that involved his own brothers — something Zac describes as both fun and memorable. Another especially meaningful moment came off the ice, when Zac and his brothers surprised their father with his long-awaited Founders Medal presentation after the original Hockey East ceremony was canceled due to the pandemic.

​There have also been lighter moments. Zac noted that players and coaches occasionally comment on how young he and his brothers look, but they take it in stride and with a sense of humor — letting their work ethic speak louder than appearances.

Advice for the Next Generation

For newer officials looking to move up, Zac keeps the advice straightforward:

​You never know who may be watching or listening — whether in the rink or the locker room — so consistent effort and professionalism matter every single game. Hustle, stay engaged, be personable with your crew, and keep your ego in check. Zac also emphasizes the importance of asking questions and using veteran officials as resources whenever possible.

What Keeps Him Coming Back

When asked about the best part of officiating, Zac didn’t hesitate — it’s the people.

​Working with the right crew can make any game more enjoyable, and Zac values the relationships built along the way. He also enjoys watching high-end talent develop, sometimes moving up through the ranks alongside players he once officiated. Add in the opportunity to visit new rinks and environments, and it’s easy to see why Zac’s passion for officiating continues to grow.

Off the ice, Zac is a proud fan of the Boston Bruins, making it only fitting that this rising official continues to make his mark in the New England hockey community.