It’s a difficult job, that of a National Hockey League on-ice official. Their decisions - calls, penalties, non-calls - are often unpopular with just about everybody else, be it players, coaches, fans and media. It’s thankless at times.
It can also have a dangerous side to it. NHL referee Trevor Hanson had to leave Thursday’s game between the Buffalo Sabres and Phoenix Coyotes after taking a puck to the face, according to numerous reports.
So we're down to three officials as Trevor Hanson goes off for repairs. Puck caught him square in the face.
— Sarah McLellan (@sarah__mclellan) January 31, 2014
Referee Trevor Hanson heads to dressing room for repairs after shot bounces off post and bloodies his face. One ref with 2:29 left in second
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) January 31, 2014
There's a trail of blood from the corner to the #Coyotes bench. Not sure why it hasn't been cleaned up.
— Sarah McLellan (@sarah__mclellan) January 31, 2014
Updated: As per Yahoo Sports, Hanson did return to the game for the third period.