Mike Cvik (born July 6, 1962) is a Canadian former National Hockey League linesman, who wore uniform number #88. At 6 foot, 9 Inches, Cvik was the same height as the NHL's tallest player, Zdeno Chára.^[1] He worked more than 1800 NHL games, including his highlights such as the gold medal game at the 2002 Winter Olympics, the NHL All-Star Game and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Officiating career

A native of Calgary, Alberta, Cvik played minor hockey as a forward until he turned 17. Despite his size, Cvik was considered a "gentle giant"; he won awards for sportsmanship during his youth hockey days.^[2] He turned to officiating after being asked to help out at one of his brother's games. Cvik quickly earned his certification and soon was officiating in the Western Hockey League (WHL).^[3] Cvik officiated in the WHL for seven years,^[3] and worked the 1986 Memorial Cup tournament.^[4] Also in 1986, was hired by the National Hockey League (NHL).^[5] Cvik made his NHL debut as a linesman on October 8, 1987, in a game between the St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks.^[6]

Among his highlights as an official, Cvik worked the 1998 NHL All-Star Game, was on the ice when Wayne Gretzky scored his 802nd career goal to become the NHL's all-time scoring leader and officiated the gold medal game at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.^[6] the 2015–16 NHL season is the 29th and final season of his career; Cvik's final game as an official was on January 6, 2016 in a game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Calgary Flames.^[3] Cvik was honoured by the Flames and their fans with a tribute and standing ovation during the game, while the players lined up to shake his hand at its conclusion.^[7] He was also named one of the game's three stars in arena and by the Rogers Sportsnet telecast.^[8] Cvik retired having worked 1,868 regular season games – seventh all-time among NHL linesmen – and 90 post-season contests.^[7]

References