The National Hockey League started its 2019-20 preseason with a healthy lineup of referees.  The linesmen weren’t so fortunate, with two on the sidelines.

All 34 of the NHL’s full-time referees, along with all ten AHL/NHL refs, have seen action during the preseason.

Over on the bluelines, two officials have yet to take the ice.

Linesman Jonny Murray will miss the start of the 2019-20 NHL season.  The veteran official, 45, is recovering from offseason hernia surgery.  He’s expected to return to action in November. Murray is entering his 20th season as a National Hockey League official. The Beauport, Quebec, native has worked 1,211 regular season games and 118 playoff games, including three trips to the Stanley Cup Final. He’ll hope to be back on the ice soon to add to those totals.

 

 

Linesman Bryan Pancich, sidelined due to undisclosed reasons, spent time this summer helping young officials at the USA Hockey Advanced Officiating Symposium and at referee Tim Peel’s inaugural ref camp.  Pancich, from Great Falls, Montana, is expected to hit the 700-game mark this season upon his return to the ice.

Here’s wishing linesmen Jonny Murray and Bryan Pancich a speedy recovery!