OHL Linesperson Brian Birkhoff Selected to Officiate 2026 IIHF World Championship

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to congratulate linesperson Brian Birkhoff on being selected by the International Ice Hockey Federation to officiate at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland.

The tournament begins Friday and runs through May 31, with games taking place in Zurich and Fribourg as the world’s top hockey nations compete for gold.

Birkhoff has just completed his fourth season working in the Ontario Hockey League and continues to rise through the officiating ranks at both the national and international levels. This marks his first assignment at the IIHF World Championship.

“Brian’s selection is a tremendous accomplishment and something the entire league is proud of,” said OHL Director of Officiating Conrad Haché. “He has earned every opportunity through consistency, professionalism, and his ability to perform in high-pressure environments. Brian’s growth over a short period of time has been impressive, and this assignment is another significant milestone in what has become a very strong officiating career.”

Birkhoff previously worked the 2025 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship in Texas and has built an extensive resume that includes the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge in London, the 2023 Memorial Cup during his first OHL season, the OUA Queen’s Cup Championship, and the 2024 U SPORTS National Championship in Ottawa.

Alongside his OHL responsibilities, Birkhoff has also completed his third season working in the American Hockey League, beginning in 2023-24.

Before transitioning into officiating, Birkhoff played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League between the Ottawa 67’s and Peterborough Petes from 2008-11. Originally selected by Ottawa in the 11th round of the OHL Priority Selection, the Richmond Hill, Ont. native earned a spot on the 67’s roster out of his second training camp.

Following his playing career, Birkhoff began his transition into officiating through the Greater Toronto Hockey League while also serving as a player safety officer in the Swiss National League.

The 2026 IIHF World Championship officiating crew features 32 officials representing 12 countries, with Sweden leading the way with five selections. Canada, Finland, and the United States each have four officials assigned to the tournament.

“This is the first step in us preparing for the next Winter Olympics,” said IIHF Head of Officiating Scott Zelkin. “We’re gearing up and giving our officials an opportunity to get to the next Olympics.”

The Ontario Hockey League continues to serve as an important development path for officials working toward the highest levels of international hockey.