Family of NHL referee reportedly received threats from Maple Leafs fans

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TJ Tucker
May 7, 2023 (2:55 PM)

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Yet another case of letting the love of your favourite team cloud your judgement. A new report by the Toronto Star states a league source has let them know that threats were directed at the family of an NHL referee during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Kevin McGran writes that it happened to Wes McCauley's family following game 3 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning. That was when Michael Bunting was given a game misconduct and eventually suspended for three games after an illegal check to the head of Erik Cernak.

The report by the Toronto Star said the anger appears to come from a belief that McCauley and Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe are involved in an ongoing beef that goes beyond the game itself. Keefe was asked his thoughts about McCauley being announced as the referee for game 3 against the Panthers tonight. He had nothing bad to say about the official.

Passionate hockey fans are what make the game great. But, there are always a few that can't seem to figure out where passion ends and something more sinister begins. It will be interesting to see if the non-stop debate about McCauley continues after game 3