NEW YORK (March 24, 2021) – National Hockey League Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell announced today that Referee Tim Peel, following his comments during the game last night between the Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators, no longer will be working NHL games now or in the future.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the integrity of our game,” Campbell said. “Tim Peel’s conduct is in direct contradiction to the adherence to that cornerstone principle that we demand of our officials and that our fans, players, coaches and all those associated with our game expect and deserve. There is no justification for his comments, no matter the context or his intention, and the National Hockey League will take any and all steps necessary to protect the integrity our game.”

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED:

Shortly after Nashville forward Viktor Arvidsson was whistled for a tripping penalty against Detroit defenseman Jon Merrill, a rink-side TV microphone down by the ice picked up an official saying: “It wasn’t much, but I wanted to get a f—ing penalty against Nashville early.”

COURTESY NHLmedia.com