My problem with the late-game call was not the validity of the call but with
the timing. I feel the officiating crew set the tone throughout the first
and second period. By the start of the third period the players, coaches,
fans and even the officials had a basic understanding as to what would be
called and what would not. However, in the late minutes of the third period
Piotrowski began making calls that were not made in the first two periods.
How can you set the expectation and then change the rules? That is, in my
opinion, what Piotrowski did. He allowed the boys to play full tilt for 50
minutes and then started making calls. Were they infractions? In my opinion,
yes they were. However, they were also penalties in the first and second
periods but they weren't called.

My complaint is not with the interpretation of whether there were penalties
or not but the lack of consistency in making the calls over the course of
the entire game.

We can't go back and play the last 10 minutes over again so this is a moot
point. However, it is a concern that will, I'm sure, come up again next
season. Either apply the rules for a full 60 minutes or not, that's the
officials decision, but do it consistently throughout the entire 60 minutes.

-----Original Message-----
From: Wayne T. Smith [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 11:55 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: BC Fans Agree


>Why is it there a sentiment in hockey that an infraction that exists in the
>first two periods should magically disappear in the third or overtime,...

   That's an interesting subject area, but I agree with Alexis that this
   was not the type of event that was penalized earlier in the game.

In addition, one might expect it to be an action not penalized in any
late-season tournament game (player safety not an issue in this case).

That said, in viewing the tape, I couldn't find the slip that DaveW
referred to.  What appeared clear, though, was the Maine defender being
nearly stationary with the puck carrier about to blow by him.  Maybe it
was a call with some merit.

I've witnessed Piotrowski do several games and have thought he's been a
top referee for many years.  So who are we to complain?

Hopefully everyone realizes that after the penalty was called, Shawn
"created" his penalties "for effect".  Too bad he did it "for effect"
and then called it inconsequential.  But perhaps I'm taking his
"inconsequential" comments out of context?

Shawn certainly gave us news that left those actions inconsequential.
Our hero certainly deserves a break ...  may it happen in the next few
hours and weeks.

Best regards, wayne

Wayne T. Smith
[log in to unmask]                          Old Town Landing
The College Hockey lists: Hockey-L and Hockey3 at http://lists.Maine.edu/