There was a blank space in the officiating lineup for Sunday’s game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Minnesota Wild. Referees Chris Lee and Tom Chmieleski were set to go, but only one linesperson – Joe Mahon – was scheduled in stripes.
Liney Ben O’Quinn was originally slated to go, but he was injured at Rangers vs. Wild the night prior. Snowy weather made it difficult to get a replacement official. That left referee Brandon Schrader, who’d also worked the prior night – alongside Chris Lee – as the best available option.
Schrader pulled on the #85 linesperson jersey, which is set aside in each building for just this season, and took the ice.
Rule 31.11 specifies what happens if one of the officials is unable to go.
If, through misadventure or sickness, the Referees and Linespersons appointed are prevented from appearing, the League will make every attempt to find suitable replacement officials, otherwise, the Managers or Coaches of the two Clubs shall agree on Referee(s) and Linesperson(s). If they are unable to agree, they shall appoint a player from each side who shall act as Referee and Linesperson; the player of the home Club acting as Referee and the player of the visiting Club as Linesperson.
Thankfully, Schrader was available. Otherwise, they may have been recruiting from the players’ benches.
The Toronto Maple Leafs went on to defeat the Minnesota Wild 4-2. Referees for the game were Tom Chmieleski (#18) and Chris Lee (#28), with Joe Mahon (#89) and Brandon Schrader (normally #34, but #85 tonight) on the lines.
