OS rarely watches NHL games.

But everyone else does.

I say this because no matter what level the veteran Level 3 officiates, the players, coaches and parents appear to assume that the “amateur” game is being governed by NHL rules. You know, the rules you see when watching games on television.

Us veterans know the scoop. Coincidental penalties and players line up 4-on-4. Complaints about illegal goals because the “stick was higher than the cross bar.” Erroneous icing calls must go to center ice. You know, that kind of stuff.

So if the entire hockey community assumes NHL rules apply in USA Hockey games, why is it that they complain about disputed goals in a two-ref system when these same people ought to understand that the NHL utilizes four on-ice officials, five or more cameras and a team of replay officials to review every goal that ever happens?

For those of you still not comprehending the point, OS is speaking of physics.

The physics of propelling a puck into the net, combined with the physics of the official being screened, the puck hitting the underside of the cross bar or any of a myriad of factors that those watching the NHL should know require the assistance of extra eyes and technology.

Look, whether it’s an NHL winger or a U12 center, it works the same way when a shot bangs the post or hits the back of a tightly-strung net with the give of a trampoline. The physics are similar. And just the slightest screen can blind the NHL official or the USA Hockey Level 4 guy at the most inopportune second.

That’s why the big guys have technological assistance.

So if four NHL zebras making $3,000 a game or whatever they earn (including benefits) need 5 cameras plus a Toronto review team to ensure they get the call right, there’s simply no place for anyone in the hockey community to beef about a missed call in a two-man system. 

Got that? Two sets of eyes at your local rink vs. four sets of on-ice eyes, five cameras, and probably another two guys in Toronto reviewing the same thing. 

The nets are the same. The puck is the same.

So you veteran guys making $45 per game who’d love to have additional help on every goal. Keep this column in mind next time you’re involved in a disputed goal scenario. And tell the complainant you’d be happy to check any of the five video cameras to ensure the call is right.

What’s that? The coach tells you the rink doesn’t have these amenities.

Great. Next word from anyone earns them a Rule 601 penalty.

Questions, comments and feedback can be sent to editor@letsplayhockey.com, via Twitter @OSpeakingor through the Let’s Play Hockey Facebook page