Tom Goddard

Tom Goddard graduated from Lincoln High School in 1973, after a successful Prowler hockey career.  He then attended the University of North Dakota, playing as a forward on the UND hockey team from 1973 to 1977 and serving as captain his senior year. Later, he skated with the Warroad Lakers senior amateur team and had the opportunity to try out for the Los Angeles Kings, the New York Rangers, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic team.

After a short coaching career as the Prowlers’ assistant coach and Northland’s head coach, Goddard became interested in officiating. He first performed as a referee during the 1985-1986 high school hockey season. The next year, he was working Western Collegiate Hockey Association games as a linesman. Twenty years later, Goddard still officiates for the WCHA, putting six to eight miles on his skates each game. He travels across the country most weekends during the hockey season, working at games as far away as Alaska.

Goddard is currently an accountant at Forsberg’s, Inc., in Thief River Falls.  He credits having the time and motivation to referee to his understanding family, boss, and co-workers. Goddard believes there are a lot of sacrifices you make to be a referee, but because of his dedication, players, coaches, and fans respect him as an official.