Rob Callum writes...
>> From the Michigan State University Blue Line Newsletter:
>>
>>      Don't look for referee Brent Rutherford the rest of the way.
>>      He worked an NHL game during the officials' strike and in the
>>      process lost his remaining assignments for the year in the
>>      CCHA, according to Dave Fisher, CCHA Chief of Whistleblowers.
>>
>        Eh gad...do we know why the CCHA took this action? Do they feel
>kinship with the official's union? To the best of my knowledge, HE and
>ECAC refs weren't censured in any way for their work during the strike.
 
I doubt the CCHA black-listed B.R. for his NHL gig.  If anything, they
should dump him for not knowing how to keep a game in hand.  I bet if you
looked at penalty minutes and disqualifications across CCHA referees, "Even
'em up and let 'em go" Rutherford would be at the top of both lists.
 
My *guess* would be that the CCHA simply rescheduled the assignments, not
knowing how long the NHL officials' strike would last.  When the strike
ended, a decision had to be made.  Go with the original assignments or the
revised ones.
 
Remember, this is pure speculation on my part.  I doubt the CCHA had an ill
intent toward Rutherford.  But, whatever the circumstances were, it appears
that he won't be doing any more games in the 1993-94 season.
 
  John H
  U Mich