Van Hellemond's NHL officiating career began in 1969 and included 19 Stanley Cup Finals.
From the 1994–95 NHL season until his retirement in 1997, he wore uniform number 25, which was later worn by Marc Joannette.
Van Hellemond remained director of officiating until July 2004, when he was asked by Colin Campbell to resign from the position because of concern over the former's personal gambling debts.
[6] In July 2011, Van Hellemond served the creators of the comic strip Adam@home with a notice of intention to sue for libel over a comic that used the word "evil" in referring to Van Hellemond as "the worst and most evil ref ever."
Newspapers carrying the strip, including the Toronto Star and The Boston Globe, were also served.