Gary Bettman and the NHL cut referee Wes McCauley from the playoffs
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Samer Dagher
May 23, 2024 (4:28 PM)
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Photo credit: Sportsnet
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has officially cut referee Wes McCauley from the Stanley Cup playoffs
Well-known NHL referee Wes McCauley won't be officiating in the 2024 Stanley Cup Conference Finals, missing a major milestone in the process. The officials for the Conference Finals have been chosen, but McCauley isn't among them. He won't be refereeing the games between the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers in the East, or the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers in the West.
Advancing to the later rounds of the NHL playoffs means more money for officials, so missing out is significant. This would have been McCauley's 13th consecutive NHL Conference Finals. According to Scouting the Refs, a hamstring issue is likely the reason.
"Referee Wes McCauley made the cut for Round 2, but never worked a game after Golden Knights/Stars Game 7 in the opening round, prompting suspicion that he was dealing with an injury. If so, it's apparent the league doesn't expect him to be able to return soon, and opted to leave him on the sidelines. McCauley has reached the Conference Finals for 12 straight seasons, including 10 trips to the Stanley Cup Final — missing 2021 due to injury."
McCauley, a former hockey player, became popular with fans for his enthusiastic penalty calls and on-ice interactions with players.
Despite having critics who accuse him of bias, the NHL has shown trust in him by regularly including him in postseason games.
There's no official word on whether McCauley might return for the Stanley Cup Final.
Source: bladeofsteel
McCauley misses major milestone as he misses list for third round
McCauley misses major milestone as he misses list for third round
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