Several comments have been made about this game already.  I wish to add a
few concerning the officating.  I disagree with the statement that the
officiating was one sided.  When you consider the nature of some of the
calls (eg. too many men on the ice) it would seem that sloppy play lead to
many of the infractions being whistled.  (I actually heard a fan complain
that the ref was "paid off" to call too many men on the ice.  Amazing.)
In fact, there was an instance when Ohio State should have been awarded a
penalty shot when a Falcon defender covered the puck with his hand in the
crease, subsequently shoving it under the glove of the goal tender Petrie.
No delay of game penalty was called on the play.
 
I will however support the statement that the officiating was poor.  It
was infact incompetent and inexcusably so.  I would urge, in fact, the
CCHA to reprimand the officiating crew in the strongest possible manner
for their poor handling of the game ejections following the fighting
majors in the second period.
 
In college hockey, fights are rare.  And usually, fights involve two poepl
who are genuinely upset with one another.  To allow two fight participants
to walk unescorted in the tunnel from the ice following game ejcetions is
uncomprehensible to this fan.  You really have to have a level of
intellegence lower than that of a soap dish to allow this to happen.  The
result was a continuation of the fight in the tunnel which required the
asistance of the law enforcement officers to break it up.  The fight also
erupted into the stands comprimising the safety of fans as well as players.
 
It is my oppinion that the primary role of the officials in any sporting
contest has got to be maintaining the safety of the participants.  In this
case, a simple gesture such as allowing the players to leave the ice one
at a time would have prevented this malay.  While all three officials are
to blame for this breach of competence, the referee, Edwards, must take
ultimate responsiblity.  My suggestion would be a suspension of pay for
the game and a very sever repremand - perhaps even termination.
 
Incompetence which compromises player (and fan) safety can not be
tolerated in college hockey.
 
     - Pat
 
 
- Patrick E. Fleming --------------------------------------------------------
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