The Fort Wayne crowd actually booed when a penalty was called on a visiting player. That's how bad the officiating was in the second period Saturday night. And no, I really don't blame Ken Gallagher (so I didn't break my own rule).
Part of being an official is having a feel for the game, and the current UHL style of calling everything in some ways takes that feel of the game away from the officials. It's sort of like the three strikes rule with federal sentencing. It takes away from allowing the judge to use any common sense. It's the same thing with the UHL rules.
Gallagher is just doing what the league has told him to do which was call everything. All that did was lead to frustration from the players on both teams and the fans. Hint, hint, the league better be concerned about the last of those rather than the first two.
For whatever reason, this style is not working. The inconsistency from night to night is killing the entertainment value of the game. It's another thing for the owners to go on radio and such and complain about it. You are the owners, the board of governors, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM!
In happier news, I got hit by a Scoop guy today in what was an awesome fete. Not really. I had to get to the game late tonight and was standing behind the net after the first period as they went onto the ice. Thankfully, he didnt whip it at me too hard. Good time was had by all.
And then the second period started. Yawn.
Who wants to watch this any more? I don't, and I'm getting paid for it. I can't imagine there are any fans left who do.
The other thing that is happening, I believe, is the players are saying the heck with it. If I'm going to get called for it, I better get my money's worth.
Too bad the fans can't do the same.
