New reports confirmed today that NHL referee Kevin Pollock will not be getting his traditional retirement game this season. The circumstances surrounding this decision are extremely unfortunate for the veteran official.
Gord Miller confirms no retirement game for Kevin Pollock
This year was meant to be Pollock's last in the NHL. As a result, he was due his traditional retirement game where he picks the location and crew. Unfortunately this will no longer be possible.
Sad news that veteran NHL referee Kevin Pollock has suffered a serious knee injury that will end his season and his career. Kevin was retiring this year but the injury will prevent him from working a «retirement game» where he would have picked the officiating crew and location.
Tough break for Kevin Pollock not being able to retire on his own terms. Best wishes to Kevin in his retirement. NHL officiating is a tough job, even moreso prior to reviewable replay.
Former NHL official joins PWHL in video review role
Luckily, the injury was not technically career-ending as he has since joined the newly-formed Professional Women's Hockey League where he is serving as a video review judge.
The good news is that Pollock is lending his expertise to the @thepwhlofficial, working in the PWHL command centre overseeing coach's challenges and video reviews.
This is just the first season in PWHL history but it figures to be the first of many as the league has blown away expectations in their inaugural campaign. Hopefully Pollock is able to provide the league with consistent decisions from the video review room.