Between the Buzzers

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I am well aware that hockey, especially at the National Hockey League level, has exponentially become a bigger business over the 36 years since I last played professionally and has even grown considerably in the 13 years since I retired as an NHL referee. There's no question that the sport brings in big revenues and there's a lot more money to be made at the top levels.

That was not the point of Monday's blog whatsoever.

I was hoping but obviously failed at getting this point across: even while hockey is a business, when you strap on the skates, you must have in your mind and in your heart the same passion that you first felt those many years ago when you first started skating and pursuing playing the game. Between the buzzers, if money is your primary motivator, you should not be out there because you are out there for the wrong reasons.

if you are, as a referee, diminishing the import of any game at any level, only seeking "The Big game" or the "Big Paycheck" then you are not the person I want reffing for me, nor should any assignor worth his salt want you. Every game is important so referee this game, NHL or Mite, like it was your last assignment because it just might be.

If, as a player, you are only out there to pad your stats to make yourself bigger dollars or to grab the headlines and satiate your parent's wishes or your agent or advisor, then you will never understand why Gordie or Gretz or Jags or even why a role player like I was kept skating those circles, doing those laps, shooting those pucks, hitting that heavy bag, doing those pushups, driving all over Hell's half acre.

In like manner, yes, I realize than winning is the other "bottom line" in our sport along with finance. But there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it.

As a coach, if the best interest you have is to win....and only win...with no thought to what level you are at, there's a problem. If you fail to recognize that you should always be teaching and developing players by encouraging, disciplining, striving to help your players become their best to the best of their ability then you are the wrong person behind the bench.

Even at the highest levels, if you don't understand that sometimes it is better to lose the battle with an eye on winning the war and you coach with the lone focus on winning tonight, well, you won't have longevity or respect in the long haul. These principles are what my column is all about. I guess you can say it but people obviously don't often understand it. As for the business side of the game, stick and skate prices, costs for teams, travel and "ELITE" status -- not to mention the types of contracts that are signed off upon at the NHL level -- well, those are blog topics for another day. ********

The longtime referee heads Officiating by Stewart, a consulting, training and evaluation service for officials. Stewart also maintains a busy schedule as a public speaker, fund raiser and master-of-ceremonies for a host of private, corporate and public events. As a non-hockey venture, he is the owner of Lest We Forget.