New rule will make officials far more accountable, should the NHL implement it?
PUBLICATION
Sam Hutch
September 4, 2023 (12:23)
The quality of the on ice officiating in professional leagues has been steadily declining over the past few seasons, mainly in the National Hockey League. So much so that fans have been calling for officials to be interviewed in an effort to see not only why calls are made a certain way, but to hold officials accountable for their poor performance as well. This of course, hasn't come to the NHL as of yet, but, that hasn't stopped a few European leagues from implementing post game referee interviews.
According to NHL Breakers on Instagram, the SHL along with a few other European leagues have already made officials available to be interviewed post game in order to have their side of making controversial calls known; take a look.
The leagues have seen positive impacts between the relationships of players, coaches and officials because of this. This is used as a tool to make game officials be held more accountable as well.
This is something that could, and frankly should come to the NHL. too many times across too many games have coaches, players and fans been left angry and confused over on ice calls. Officials have always been known as untouchable, this would certainly change that.
Although, it remains to be seen whether or not NHL commissioner Gary Bettman would be open to this, it would also likely draw fans back to watching the game at the NHL level, something that has been steadily dropping in recent years.
POLL |
Would you want to see post game media availability for officials come to the NHL? |
Yes | 69 | 57 % |
No | 35 | 28.9 % |
It's the only way to fix the game. | 17 | 14 % |
List of polls |
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