Jesse Wilmot officiates final OHL game in Brantford

Ontario Hockey League referee Jesse Wilmot officiated the final game of his OHL career on Sunday afternoon, bringing an end to a 17-season run as an on-ice official.

Wilmot worked the matchup between the Soo Greyhounds and the Brantford Bulldogs, closing out his OHL career in Brantford.

Prior to puck drop, the OHL held a brief on-ice recognition to honour Wilmot’s service to the league. OHL Officiating Manager Kevin Hastings joined Wilmot at centre ice to present him with a special award recognizing his career and contributions to the Ontario Hockey League. Wilmot was also joined by his girlfriend Kelsey, and daughter, Brooklin, who were acknowledged with flowers in appreciation of their support.

Warm wishes to Jesse Wilmot🤝

The @BulldogsOHL and @OHLHoundPower made sure to congratulate the longtime #OHL official after his final game. pic.twitter.com/IFb9hvMGzS

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 1, 2026

Over 17 seasons, Wilmot officiated 433 OHL regular-season games and 57 OHL playoff games, while also gaining experience officiating at the American Hockey League level.

His career included several major international and national assignments, including the 2014 Olympic Winter Games men’s hockey tournament, the 2012 and 2013 IIHF World Championships, the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship, and the 2011 Memorial Cup. Wilmot also worked two CHL/NHL Top Prospects Games and three Canada-Russia Series games during his officiating career.

“Jesse represented our league extremely well on the international stage and set a gold standard for officiating in the OHL,” said OHL director of officiating Conrad Hache. “He was a role model to his peers through his professionalism, consistency, and the way he carried himself every night, earning him the trust of players, coaches, and his fellow officials throughout his career.”

Sunday’s game marked the conclusion of Wilmot’s OHL career, as the league thanked him and his family for their many years of service to the Ontario Hockey League.