Getting hit by pucks and breaking up fights is just one challenge for hockey officials . Developmental leagues hire skilled skaters with good judgment , hungry for the NHL . , it kind of becomes comical , '' Stagnone said , adding he tries not to take it personally . They are not going to be able to compete against a team of players who have been playing in college or minor league since they were 5 years old. `` Hockey sense , '' anticipating plays before they happen , is a must for officials .
Getting hit by pucks and breaking up fights is just one challenge for hockey officials . Developmental leagues hire skilled skaters with good judgment , hungry for the NHL . They are not going to be able to compete against a team of players who have been playing in college or minor league since they were 5 years old. `` Hockey sense , '' anticipating plays before they happen , is a must for officials .