United Collegiate Hockey Conference Commissioner Chuck Mitrano announced that Joe Carusone will serve as the Supervisor of Men’s Officials for the 2026-27 season. Carusone replaces Jeff Fulton, who served as UCHC Supervisor of Officials since the league’s inception in 2017 and begins his new role as the NCAA National Coordinator of men’s ice hockey officials this season.

A native of Rochester, NY, Carusone has over 25 years of ice hockey officiating experience, having served as a referee at the Division III level with the UCHC, ECAC West, NESCAC and SUNYAC and at the Division I level with Atlantic Hockey, the Big Ten Conference and ECAC. He officiated several NCAA Division I Tournament contests, including three NCAA Division I Frozen Fours (2021, 2022, 2024) and two NCAA Division I National Championship games (2021, 2024).

“Joe has been an elite official at the highest levels of the collegiate game and supported Jeff Fulton with film review and interpretations in past seasons,” said UCHC Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. “He has established relationships with our coaches and is the ideal candidate to cultivate and mentor the UCHC officials. We are fortunate to be able to leverage his skill set and experience.”

Carusone starred as a player, first at Gates-Chili High School (1990-94) and collegiately at SUNY Cortland (1994-98). He was an All-Monroe County first team selection in 1994 and winner of the Section V Boys Ice Hockey Sportsmanship Award. Carusone served as team captain at SUNY Cortland.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to become the next Supervisor of Officials for the UCHC,” said Carusone. “As a former collegiate student-athlete and longtime official, I look forward to bringing those experiences to this leadership role. I am excited to begin working alongside the officials, coaches, and administrators of the UCHC as we continue building on the strong foundation that has already been established.”

Carusone continues to officiate women’s lacrosse at the collegiate level. He lives in Hilton, NY with his wife Meredith and two daughters, Ariella and Avery.