Tonight reports are confirming that former Edmonton Oilers draft pick Ben Betker has landed an exciting new role in professional hockey. The NHL offseason is full of change across every league in professional hockey. Coaches, players, staff, and others all change teams and leagues finding their next opportunity to live out their dreams. This offseason that has been most prevalent with the <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/kris-knoblauch-reveals-the-key-factor-that-led-the-edmonton-oilers-to-hire-a-new-goalie-coach' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>coaching changes that have taken place</a> in Edmonton and Vancouver with several new faces in each organization. Today, change continues as former Edmonton Oilers draft pick Ben Betker has found a new calling as an NHL official. According to multiple reports, Betker has been hired by the NHL for the upcoming season. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/scoutingtherefs/status/1948401749556916655'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Betker, 30, was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 6th round of the 2013 NHL Draft picked in the same draft as current Oiler Darnell Nurse. Unfortunately for Betker, his NHL hopes did not come to fruition as a player playing with the Everett Silvertips and Portland Winterhawks in the WHL before earning a pro contract with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. Betker would go on to spend the next four seasons split between the AHL and ECHL finishing his time in North America with the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings the affiliate team of the Vancouver Canucks before heading overseas. After the 2023-24 season Betker stepped away from his playing career to pursue a career as a referee. <h3>Edmonton Oilers Draft Pick Finally Earns NHL Opportunity In An Unconventional Role</h3> Betker attended the 2024 NHL Officiating Combine and from there gained an opportunity in the BCHL to hone his skills and develop. Betker credits his time in the BCHL as a major catalyst for this new opportunity with the NHL. The relationship that Brad [Lazarowich] has with the NHL, as well as his resume, speaks for itself,» said Betker. «I'm not sure I'd be in the position I'm in if it wasn't for his guidance and mentorship. Any official just starting out would benefit from his 30 years of experience. According to a report from Scouting The Refs, Betker is expected to begin in the AHL while working towards a call-up sometime next season. Betker is expected to work a full season in the AHL. Look for him to make his NHL debut next spring. As Betker continues his journey toward the NHL on this new path, we wish him all the best and hope to hear his name called during an NHL game soon.