From Petes Forward to NHL Referee: Nick Isaacson’s Hockey Journey Takes Another Turn
/By Scott Arnold
Former Peterborough Pete Nick Isaacson is heading to the NHL officiating system after just one season as an OHL referee.
Caption 1: Nick Isaacson during his time with the Peterborough Petes, where he played 137 regular season games over parts of four seasons. (photo courtesy of peterborough petes)
For Nick Isaacson, the road to the NHL has taken a few unexpected turns.
The Oakville native first arrived in Peterborough as a fifth-round pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection, joining the Petes 86th overall. Over the next four seasons, Isaacson became a regular part of the lineup, appearing in 137 regular season games and recording 15 goals and 28 assists for 43 points.
He also suited up in 13 playoff games during the Petes’ 2017 playoff run, adding a goal and two assists.
After his time in Peterborough and a brief stint with the Mississauga Steelheads to finish his OHL career, Isaacson continued playing at the University of Guelph before moving into the professional ranks. He spent four seasons in the ECHL, with his playing career also including time in the American Hockey League.
Then came another change.
Isaacson returned to the OHL last season, but this time he wasn't wearing a jersey.
He became a referee for the 2025-26 season.
Just one year later, Isaacson is taking another step up the hockey ladder.
The OHL announced on August 25th that Isaacson has been hired by the NHL on a minor-league officiating contract for the 2026-27 season, officially putting him into the league's officiating system.
It's a pretty quick progression for someone who had only just made the transition from player to official.
Former Peterborough Pete Nick Isaacson has made a quick transition from player to official, earning a spot in the NHL officiating system after his first season as an OHL referee. (photo courtesy of the ontario hockey league)
