Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ben Chiarot was penalized for playing without a helmet against the Seattle Kraken.
Chiarot was hit in the corner by Seattle’s Eeli Tolvanen, losing his helmet in the process. Referee Jake Brenk allowed the Wings defenseman a moment to finish his play on the puck before either retrieving his helmet or heading off the ice.
Chiarot did neither, continuing to engage. That’s when Brenk blew the whistle.
Rule 9.6 covers helmets:
A player on the ice whose helmet comes off during play shall be assessed a minor penalty if he does not exit the playing surface, or retrieve and replace his helmet properly on his head (with or without his chin strap fastened), within a reasonable period of time.
It is reasonable if a player who is making a play on the puck or who is in the vicinity of the puck and engaged in the play at the time his helmet comes off, takes the opportunity to complete the play before either exiting the ice or retrieving and replacing his helmet.
The referee allowed Chiarot a lengthy leash in his play along the boards. Once the play moved up the boards and Chiarot continued to pursue it, he had no choice but to call it.
The Seattle Kraken went on to win the game 5-4 in overtime. Referees were Mitch Dunning (#20) and Jake Brenk (#26), with linesmen Devin Berg (#87) and Tyson Baker (#88).
