Follow Paul on Twitter: @paulstewart22
As we move through the NHL stretch drive and into the Stanley Cup playoffs -- not to mention the time of year for theCalder Cup, Frozen Four, Memorial Cup, IIHF World Championships, etc. -- I wish everyone hard and fast ice, a good bounce of the puck and a dash of common sense.
My advice to referees: Remember, don't start reffing until the players tell you by their action or inaction that they need you to step in. Until then, you are a paid observer. Enjoy the view.
Linesmen, we are a TEAM. We all count on your hard skating, and your assistance when the referees need to hear about what you saw be a teammate. Do your job because lining is critical.
Officials, be savvy about teams "inventing" goals by crashing the net. These are the toughest, and most controversial goals. People will forgive the missed hook at center ice but they won't forget -- nor should they -- the missed goal/ no-goal call.
Remember that the game is about skating and free flow. Open hand off the stick, latching on and those that are water skiing hookers need to sit if the act interrupts the skater from skating.
Communication helps to control the temperature. Professional speaking is best: choose your words and your body language prudently. Emotions run especially high this time of year.
Above all, ignore the Cliff Clavins of the world -- the self-professed experts who have never played, officiated or coached the game but are very self-assured of their half-baked ideas and outright misinformation. Like it not, folks, you can't start the game without the officials and they are an important part of the game, too.
My words to an official before a big game are the same as they are to my sons before they play in a big game: Tonight, is your night, too. Bring out your best and enjoy the moment. It goes by all too fast.
************
Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Today, Stewart serves as director of hockey officiating for the ECAC at both the Division 1 and Division 3 levels.
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.