CHI decided it would be interesting to join the NHL Officials Association Public Bulletin Board. We learn so much about the players, but how bout those refs. Sure, you all love to hate them when you’re on the ice but without them we’d have an out-of-control pond hockey game. Each month we’ll feature a different perspective on hockey officials.

This month: Chewing Gum

Question: Some officials chew gum while they work. What is the NHL's and other leagues’ view on that? Is it acceptable? Or is it viewed as "unprofessional"?

The Answers:

Personnally I don't but some guys do and it's not an issue.

Jean Morin
NHL Linesman # 97

I am always afaid I am going to choke on it or go to blow my whistle and have the gum cover the hole and not make a noise! So I chew it in the dressing room and then toss it out after the warmups.

Mark Featherstonhaugh
Hockey Canada Level III
Ottawa, ON

I usually chew gum as well, and agree with the wierd calming effect it has.
I have never blocked my whistle before with the gum, but once part of a wrapper was stuck…and my whistle didn't blow. Another time, I lost my piece of gum why yelling for an icing call; I chew colored gum now so I can find it when that happens.

Andrew West

I like to chew gum, it helps and gives you something to do, I find... Because when I play I have a mouth guard and when I started reffing I didn't, so it felt kinda weird... So the gum helps I find... I usually don't use it though if there's a supervisor, they might think your trying to be cocky...

Sincerely et avec amitié,

Guillaume Carrier Rigucci
Hockey Canada Level I
ODMHA D9
Ottawa, ON