Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Keep Skating Forward in 2022

January 6, 2022, 10:09 AM ET [0 Comments]
Paul Stewart
Blogger •Former NHL Referee • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Now that the 2022 Winter Classic is over -- a game that turned out to be rather high-scoring and entertaining in the sub-zero temperatures at Target Field in Minneapolis -- the focus has turned back to trying to get a full season in amid the ongoing pandemic. Ultimately, as much pro sports and the other games we play are a diversion from the "real world", they also inevitably reflect the larger realities.

Truthfully, hockey amid the pandemic world has not been much fun at pretty much any level o the game. 2021 was a really tough year for all of us, both on and off the ice. There were little moments where things felt "almost normal" but it always felt fragile and prone to setbacks.

My view of life, though, is that if you dwell too much on the problems and risks rather than boldly seeking solutions, you end up stuck in a bad place. Don't stop enjoying the little moments that are easy to take for granted. It's also very important in tough times to take stock of the things for which you have to be thankful.

I am two months away from my 69th birthday. Professionally, after my career in hockey officiating and administration, I've done fine. I'm six years in and doing well in commercial roofing sales for TectaAmerica, the largest roofing company in the USA. (Quick commercial plug: If you need a roof, new or repairs, give me a call. I cover all of New England. We have offices all over the USA. PM, email me at [email protected] or call me (508-962-5447) if I can be of service). I was told that my reffing took the roof off of many buildings so it's only right I put them back on before I check out.

Health wise, all seems to be well. You can't do 28 years on the ice as a Pro and not have some rusty parts. My secret it to keep moving and stay happy. Oh, and have GREAT doctors.

Lastly, if you visit my Facebook page, check out the special offer that my friends at Stolichnaya Vodka -- the same folks who kindly made the platinum dinner sponsorship in honor of my induction into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018 in Nashville -- have arranged for me to offer my friends and readers in and around New Hampshire. If you enjoy premium vodkas, the offer for Mont Blanc Vodka may be of interest. Call or write me to get this unbelievable deal directly from me.

Getting back to the hockey world, the NHL officiating ranks are going through the same thing that teams' roster are dealing with in terms of COVID. The Omicron variant of the coronavirus has been spreading like wildfire and decimating the available crews. In watching some of the games, the strain on the officiating side has laid bare some of the coaching and positioning issues that I've brought up in many blogs over the years. I do think patience is in order as we all try to get through this and keep the games going, but I hope the powers recognize that there are many teachable moments going on out there.


**********

A 2018 inductee into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, 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.

Visit Paul's official websites, YaWannaGo.com and Officiating by Stewart
.
Join the Discussion: » 0 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Paul Stewart
» The Stew: Kevin Pollack, We Nearly Missed, Thank You Fans
» Officiating: Reasonable Doubt vs Miscarriages of Justice
» My Advice to Matt Rempe
» Greig, Rielly and "The Code"
» Chirping Zebras Podcast