In article <[log in to unmask]> Droopy
 <[log in to unmask]> writes:
>I have to disagree with that. I understand why NHL officiating
>coordinators want size because linesmen are expected to break up fights
>between 180-220 lb men who dont like each other. One thing I did notice
 
You can disagree with it, but unfortunately, that's the way it is.  Andy
VanHellemond stood in right in front of our group this summer and told it
like it is.  If you're not over 6'2" or more, forget being a linesman in
the NHL.  Period.  I've known Mike for about 3 years now, and in my
opinion he's a fantastic official -- his skating, signals, hustle, and
on-ice presence are all levels above other Division I and AHL officials.
Yes, he breaks up AHL fights quite well, and could probably do the same
in the NHL.  But the NHL has their "height rule" for linesmen, and they
stick by it.  In short, you are entitled to disagree with the point
made by Dan Orchard-Hays, since I disagree with that "rule" myself, but
the sad fact is that Dan is correct, and quality officials like Mike who
don't fit the height requirement will never move up that last rung of
the ladder.                -- kennyz
 
--
Kenny Zalewski -- Computer Science Department; Intramural Department
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 83 Albright Court, Troy, NY, 12180
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