Despite the alleged animosity, when it was announced that McCauley would be officiating Toronto's game against the Florida Panthers, head coach Sheldon Keefe denied any conflict between them, stating that McCauley has always treated him like a professional, and that at the end of the day, they respect each other.
Threatening athletes, referees, or their families is never acceptable behaviour and has zero excuses. It is a disgusting display of petty behaviour and how some fans need to acknowledge that hockey is a sport, and it is not worth threatening someone's well being over a sport.