I’ve never seen this before, but everyone around me (including myself) thought the whistle should have been blown. It appeared that the net was stuck to Galajda’s helmet or his jersey. If the referee saw this, then there’s no reason not to stop play. If nothing else, Galajda couldn’t have tried to stop a puck...forget about injuring himself trying to get untangled. If the rule is that play can continue as long as the pegs are in place, that’s fine. But the official needs to realize the goalie could be hurt or interfered with and then stop play.
As for the potential offsides, we all also thought it was offsides with the naked eye. I don’t think that Clarkson cleared the zone in time. That said, I watched the replay of the game and there wasn’t enough evidence to show that.
Regardless, it was a very well and evenly-played game (officiating aside). Both teams deserved to win.
-Andy
I was wondering if folks had any opinions or thoughts on the goalie problem that occurred int eh overtime period of last night's ECAC final game. If you haven't seen it, the net was pushed over onto the Cornell goalie, Matthew Galajda, who then became entangled. The net remained on the pins but the back of the net was not on the ice. The goalie could not free himself and the play continued. Finally the whistle blew and the goalie was freed. He stayed in the game briefly but then took himself out due to injury. They were saying that they didn't blow the whistle because the net was still on the pins. The net wasn't in the proper position however.
So here is an article about the game and Cornell's Coach Schafer's after game comments. Has anyone seen something like this before? Do you think the whistle should be blown? I certainly thought so at the time. I was rooting for Clarkson but I didn't like how this tainted the win. (there was even talk that Clarkson had been offside on the winning goal.)
Sara
SLU '77
Let's go SAINTS!!!