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NHL Faces Backlash for Allowing Former Player to Officiate Against His Old Franchise

For years, the NHL has been accused of bias in their referees. That is nothing new for the league, but the league is currently facing some backlash as a result of a decision.

The Carolina Hurricanes took on the Montreal Canadiens last night. The league announced that the game officials for the game would be Wes McCauley and Carter Sandlak. This decision would normally go unnoticed, until you learn that Sandlak was once a member of the Hurricanes franchise.

Fans immediately begun to point out the possible conflict:

Sandlak announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2018. He stated that he wanted to fulfill his dream of making the NHL, even if it wasn’t as a player.

Is this a conflict of interest, in your opinion?

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
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