Good Captains Take Charge

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A good captain is one who takes charge and communicates effectively. He advocates for his team, keep teammates on the same page with the coach and understands the job that officials have to do as well. When need be, he puts teammates in their place.

One of the best leaders I saw on the ice during my officiating career was Scott Stevens. He exuded all of the qualities of a top captain and, on top of it, was a whale of a two-way defenseman.

Here is a case in point: When longtime NHL defenseman Colin White was a rookie with the New Jersey Devils, he pushed things too far with me one night. It ended up being a learning experience for him.

I called White on a tripping penalty that he felt was unmerited. The opposing team scored on the ensuing power play. Instead of leaving the box and skating back to the New Jersey bench, White refused to leave the box. He waited for me to come over to the scorer's table to report the goal, so he could berate me.

I knew what he was doing, and called his bluff. He continued to stay put. Now it was a battle of wills: Would he leave the box first, or would I skate over to the box?

The standoff continued. Finally both teams were lined up at the center ice dot for the next faceoff. Now I had to go over to report the goal, but I did a quick drive-by without looking at White. That was when the rookie decided to skate elbow-to-elbow with me.

White followed me to center ice and tried to rattle me by questioning my sexual preference, my physical equipment and my chosen position in the, um, louvre (sitting or standing?). Finally, I decided enough was enough.

I didn't holler. I simply glared at him and said, "You think I don't have [guts], huh? Think I'm a [runt]? Well, I've got [guts] enough to send you right back to the penalty box."

I called White for unsportsmanlike conduct. As Jackie Gleason may have said, "Away he goes!"

Now, Devils Stevens approached me. I knew what he was going to say -- he was going to ask what White did to deserve a return trip to the box -- so I pre-empted him.

"Scott," I asked. "Do you think I'm a gutless [runt]?"

"Is that what he said to you?" Stevens replied.

"Yeah," I said. "You know, it's funny. You and I have been on the ice together for about 18 years. I can't recall ever giving you an extra penalty. I like tough guys. I can take whatever gets dished out. But, tell me, who's this kid?"

"Don't worry about it, Stewy," Stevens said. "I'll take care of it."

Stevens skated over to the penalty box. He gave the rookie both barrels and then returned to the bench. He told Devils coach Larry Robinson what happened. Larry just turned and walked down the bench, shaking his head.

That ended up being a lesson learned for White about being a pro. I never had another problem with him. He went on to play 800 NHL games in a career that saw him win a pair of Stanley Cups. As his career progressed, he evolved into a team leader in his own right.

Although the potential always existed within Colin, Scott Stevens had a hand in the process. Every team needs leaders by example and by knowing when to hold everyone accountable. Stevens was one of the gold standard guys, and also happened to be his team's best player.

Too often, teams stick the C on the guy who is their most skilled player but not necessarily their best leader. Leadership does not come from the Pierre McGuires of the world gushing about you being "a future captain" before you ever skate a shift in the NHL. It comes from hard-earned experience as well and natural personality, and has to be honed over time.

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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.