Terry Gregson promoted to head of NHL officiating

NEW YORK (AP) -Terry Gregson is the NHL's new head of officials.

The longtime former referee was promoted on Tuesday to senior vice president and director of officiating, replacing Stephen Walkom, who left the post to return as a referee.

"Terry Gregson was an excellent on-ice referee, has worked with Stephen Walkom for the past four years, and is very familiar with the standard of officiating that has proved so successful," said Colin Campbell, the NHL director of hockey operations. "We are looking forward to a seamless transition."

Gregson, who had been the senior officiating manager, joined the NHL front office in 2005 after a 25-year career as a referee.

"I am pleased to have played a part in the positive direction the game has gone since 2005 and am excited at the opportunity to continue," Gregson said. "The standard has been upheld and will be upheld."