European hockey leagues are leading the way in making referees more accountable for their decisions. This approach has gained wide support from fans, players, and coaches, prompting questions about whether the NHL should do the same.
While implementing such a policy in the NHL makes sense, there are concerns. Sometimes, a referee's explanation may not satisfy fans or teams, especially when a call affects a game's outcome.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is aware of the European policy but may face obstacles due to the difficulty of removing referees for poor calls, partly because of strong referee unions. However, everyone agrees that a policy to hold referees accountable would benefit the game. It would improve transparency, understanding, and respect for referees, making hockey better for all involved.
