Dallas Stars forward Mason Marchment found himself in a controversial moment during a playoff game, engaging in conduct with a referee that is generally considered off-limits.
During Game 3 of the second-round series between the Dallas Stars and the Winnipeg Jets, Marchment committed a notable misstep. He used his stick to make contact with the shin pads of referee Graham Skilliter.
This action stemmed from apparent frustration. Marchment reportedly felt that two penalties against him had gone uncalled, and his stick tap followed an instance where he was hit by Jets forward Mark Scheifele without a penalty being assessed.
“You simply cannot initiate contact with an official under any circumstances,” commented Kelly Hrudey during the Hockey Central broadcast panel. “Even if you are intensely frustrated, touching them is not permitted.”
Marchment did not receive an in-game penalty for the incident. However, the NHL`s official Rule 40.1 explicitly addresses physical abuse of officials, stating that any player who deliberately applies physical force against an official may receive a game misconduct penalty.
Reports indicated that Marchment appeared to apologize to Skilliter at the beginning of the third period.
Elliotte Friedman noted, “While there was no immediate penalty called during the game, the outcome after the game rests with the official. They have the option to file an abuse of officials report if they choose.”
The prevailing sentiment is that Marchment was fortunate to avoid immediate repercussions on the ice but could still face disciplinary action following a review of the incident and the referee`s report.
