RIP Peter McNab
I was saddened by the recent cancer-related passing of U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame player and longtime broadcaster Peter McNab. He was an excellent hockey player, came from a tremendous hockey family and, above all, was a kind-hearted and friendly person.
I played against Peter when he was a member of the Boston Bruins and I was with the Quebec Nordiques. He was a highly skilled and clean player on the ice. I had rivalries with several Boston players but Peter was the kind of player that I would never have laid a hand on if we were on the ice at the same time. He simply went about his business, scored his 30 to 40 goals a year, and earned respect for how he played the game.
Peter was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame a couple years ago along with Paul Holmgren and Stan Fischler, I was thrilled for all three men.
Peter and I had many pleasant conversations over the years. His playing career not only overlapped my own (significantly less accomplished) playing days but also the start of my NHL refereeing career. The refereeing profession would be much easier -- less stressful and less confrontational -- if every team had a half-dozen Peter McNabb's on it.
I was also friendly with Peter's brother, David. One time, we were chosen as judges of a wet t-shirt contest. I won't get into that story here, but if I ever write a sequel to "Ya Wanna Go", I might tell that story. One thing I will say: No one was serenading us with "Three Blind Mice" that night. We saw everything just fine.
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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
Blogger •Former NHL Referee • 
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