February 2
Referees step into Fan Fair spotlight
For an hour on Friday, the officials for the 2024 Honda (U.S.)/ Rogers (Canada) NHL All-Star Game, referees Frederick L'Ecuyer and Francis Charron and linesmen Brandon Gawryletz and Trent Knorr, informed and entertained a large crowd at the 2024 Hyundai NHL Fan Fair, talking candidly about their lives on and off the ice.
The men in the striped jerseys, everyone would learn, are human beings after all.
It was a rare moment in the spotlight for the officials, who tend to do their work as quietly as they can before slipping off to the airport and a flight to their next assignment.
"You want to make sure that you start the game the right way, to see everything," said L'Ecuyer, who will work his 1,000th regular-season game next week. "It's super-fast on the ice and we're far from perfect. Sure, we're going to miss calls, but our job is making sure we don't miss many.
"For me, if people don't talk about me at the end of the game, then I did my job."
The first-time fan session seems likely to be brought back at the All-Star Game in the future, given the full hall at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building, and the scope of topics covered, pulling back the curtain on the officiating profession and the many challenges presented by working in 32 cities.
In the back of the hall enjoying all of it was Stephen Walkom, NHL executive vice-president and director of officiating.
The forum was moderated by Gord Stellick of SiriusXM NHL Radio, whose extensive hockey background produced a well-researched question and answer session that ultimately yielded the floor to fans who had come dressed in jerseys from practically every NHL team.
The officials spoke about their roots in hockey, the joy of having their families with them during 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend, travel, chirping from players and coaches, video review and assignments earned in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
They spoke of a constant desire to be consistent and invisible, of their personal role models, injuries, favorite teams growing up and favorite arenas in which they work, and advice they'd offer to anyone who might wish to follow their path.
And how often, came a question that gave all a laugh, are they required to visit an optometrist.
"What do you do when referees don't agree on a call?" a young fan asked, to which Knorr replied, "Arm wrestle!"
That reflected the light-hearted, breezy session, the officials clearly comfortable to be in the spotlight out of stripes and skates, not a whistle in the room. -- Dave Stubbs, columnist
Photo: All-Star Game officials (from left) Frederick L’Ecuyer, Brandon Gawrlyetz, Francis Charron and Trent Knorr.