fraser joined the national hockey league officials association on september 1, 1973, and officiated his first game in the 1980–81 season. beginning in the 1994–95 season, he wore uniform number 2. he would continue to wear this number until his retirement from officiating. he was also one of the last three nhl officials covered by the grandfather clause that allowed him to go without a helmet, thus allowing his signature bouffant hairstyle to be seen.