Sid vs Bruins 9-21-05

[DarkStar50 679]

I just talked to 20 + year veteran NHL linesman Pat Dapuzzo tonight in the shop. He lined the Pens/Bruins game in Wilkes-Barre just the night before. He told a great story that during a TV time-out in the second period he came over to the Pens bench. Sid was sitting between Mario and Recchi. Pat starts in on Sid with "Hey, that guy over there(Referee Paul Devorski) doesn't want to hear anymore lip from you!!! One more word out of you and he says you 're gone for the night!!" Pat looks over to Devo and motions, this is the guy, right? Devo gives him the look and and Sid is shaking in his pumps! Meanwhile, Mario and Mark are doing everything they can to keep from busting out laughing. Early in the third period, Sid skates over past Pat and says, "Geez, sir, I wasn't even saying anything to the referee." By now, Pat just gives it up and says don't worry kid, we'll be watching out for you." and Pat means it in a good way. Pat told another quickie where Sid tried dropping the shoulder and getting in tight to the net on big Hal Gill. Well, all Hal had to do was drop onto Sid and the move to the net was over. At the next face-off with Sid and Hal still on the ice, Pat tells Hal, "Hey, tell Sid you're sorry!" "Sid, I'm sorry." Is that great stuff or what?

Pat worked the Bell Centre on Sunday night and told me the building was a sell-out! He said there was alot of adrenaline in the building. The players and fans were pumped!!

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Pat worked the Bell Centre on Sunday night and told me the building was a sell-out! He said there was alot of adrenaline in the building. The players and fans were pumped!!

True, the fans around here are fu''ing pumped.

[jjtt99 0]

That's a hoot. Love this little tidbits. That's probably why so many players miss the game when they're done. Lots of little dramas and side shows to keep the story going.

[DarkStar50 679]

I've known Pat for quite a few years now. His boys are in our travel program at the rink. Pat has a lot of great stories but he can only share a few each time. The NHL officials took a big hit with the lock-out. None of the crew officiated at any professional level out of respect for the boys at the other levels of pro hockey. The officials are three times as happy as the players to be back on the ice!!

[Chadd 916]

I've known Pat for quite a few years now. His boys are in our travel program at the rink. Pat has a lot of great stories but he can only share a few each time. The NHL officials took a big hit with the lock-out. None of the crew officiated at any professional level out of respect for the boys at the other levels of pro hockey. The officials are three times as happy as the players to be back on the ice!!

The NHL officials contract is about to expire soon as well isn't it? I don't know if it was extended but a big part of them not working in any other leagues was the fact they didn't want guys to work as replacement refs if they got locked out.

Devo coached his kid's team here last year. I usually run into him once or twice a year, really nice guy.

[DarkStar50 679]

Chadd,

I'll ask Pat on Sunday when I am back in the shop.

During 2003 Cup Finals with Av's/Devils, Pat brought Dan Maurorelli into the rink the day before Game 3 at Meadowlands. Dan is from Western Canada and is a big "Graf guy." When you see officials skate in Graf, think Dan. DM was also a super nice guy, friendly and down to earth. The NHL officials I've met have all been excellent guys off ice.

[Chadd 916]

Chadd,

I'll ask Pat on Sunday when I am back in the shop.

During 2003 Cup Finals with Av's/Devils, Pat brought Dan Maurorelli into the rink the day before Game 3 at Meadowlands. Dan is from Western Canada and is a big "Graf guy." When you see officials skate in Graf, think Dan. DM was also a super nice guy, friendly and down to earth. The NHL officials I've met have all been excellent guys off ice.

Devo was the asistant coach for Tony Horachek. Tony cut down on the ref abuse a bit last year because of it.

[DarkStar50 679]

Chadd,

Off to the rink to play, LIVE FROM NEW YORK, ITS FRIDAY NIGHT HOCKEY!!!!!!!

[hip check 0]

VanMassenhoven reffed a game I played in for that Hockey Day In Canada thing last spring. I had to really hustle to keep up with him. I was surprised at how big he is. Very friendly guy, lots of respect for down to earth guys like him.

Listening to him and Rucchin chat back and forth during the game was fun, too.