The All-Star Game is the perfect stage to let the players show off their skills. It’s also a great opportunity for the officials — one in particular — to do the same. Referee Wes McCauley took advantage of a rare All-Star goal review to unleash yet another dramatic review announcement.
Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson scored the go-ahead goal for the Atlantic Division, breaking a 4-4 tie with the Metropolitan All-Stars. As the players skated back to the bench, the league decided to take a second look at the goal.
There was no challenge issued by Metro head coach Barry Trotz, as Coach’s Challenges are not available in the All-Star Game.
“Maybe hockey ops just wanted to hear Wes do an announcement,” said NHL Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom. “Wes is probably thinking, ‘This is the last thing I want to do.'”
The play was reviewed. The announcement was up to McCauley.
“After review of the play,” McCauley started, “it was determined that the play was… offside. No goal!”
With his goal wiped out, Karlsson threw his gloves in mock frustration.
“The way he set it up too, I thought he was going to say good goal, but then he switched to offside last second on me,” Karlsson said. “But it was all in good fun.”
