Heartbreaking Update Confirmed for NHL Referee Who Was Injured

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Graham Montgomery
March 23, 2024  (5:46 PM)

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Photo credit: NHL officials association

NHL referee Kevin Pollock has officiated his last game after suffering a seaon-ending knee injury. This was confirmed by TSN broadcaster Gord Miller today. This unfortunately means he will not a get a traditional retirement game.

Pollock injured his knee on a play last month when Sabres forward Jordan Greenway inadvertently slid into him after losing his balance. The referee was along the boards and had no where to go to try to avoid the contact. While plays like this are quite common in the NHL, this particular incident had the most unfortunate outcome.

Pollock was slated to retire this season. The NHL has a tradition where officials get to choose which game they want to be their last and they get to hand pick the rest of the crew. The only rule is it must be a regular season game. These games are typically toward the end of the regular season. In this case though, Pollock won't be able to have one.

Pollock was one of the most senior officials in the entire league, having officiated more than 1600 regular season games and more than 200 playoff games. Those marks have him in the top ten all-time when it comes to NHL games officiated.

Luckily for Pollock, it isn't all bad news. The former NHL ref has extended his career by offering his services to the brand new Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). He will stay with the PWHL for the remainder of the season in the league's situation room where they conduct video reviews, much like the NHL's situation room in Toronto.

The PWHL has had a successful first season, promoting Women's hockey better than any league before it. The league has generated unprecedented support from fans in their first season. The PWHL announced a game to be held in Montreal's Bell Center where tickets sold out within minutes. This proves that the future of women's hockey is bright. Hopefully they are able to maintain this level of success as they continue to grow the game for women and girls everywhere.

Source: Terrible update on veteran referee Kevin Pollock

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Previously

Brad Marchand Punished by Officials for On-Ice Tantrum

Sheldon Keefe Officially Confirms Tyler Bertuzzi's Fate

John Tortorella Confirms Sean Couturier's Fate Ahead of Tonight's Game

POLL
MARS 23   |   74 ANSWERS Heartbreaking Update Confirmed for NHL Referee Who Was Injured Do you think the NHL should honor Kevin Pollock with a special ceremony since he won't get a retirement game?
Yes	60	81.1 %
No	14	18.9 %
LIST OF POLLS

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