Kronblom said:
But why did they agree on not having europeans refs?
I don't think there is a rule set in stone on no European officials. That being said, Hockey Canada and USA Hockey have very strong officiating programs meant to develop their top officials for the NHL. The only way a guy from Europe would get a job over a guy in North America is if he would be far and away the best referee the NHL would have. With no European league coming close to the calibre of NHL hockey, that is something that is near impossible to judge without actually hiring him for an NHL season.
Officiating is a different world from playing. You don't see Canadian or American referees going to get jobs in European leagues. The NHL is a North American league. North American officials should be getting the jobs.
Kronblom said:
I think you may be wrong there actually. If you asked every referee in Sweden if they wanted to ref in the NHL they would most likely say Yes. We see players and coaches from Europe, why not referees? I´m convinced that I will see a european referee in the NHL before I die.
I think eventually we will too, but it won't be a regular happening.
I have read several interviews with European officials. When asked about their goals as officials, the NHL is rarely mentioned in the answer. European officials top goals are usually tournaments like the World Championships and the Olympics.
Personally, I don't think a European referee could do well in the NHL. The styles of officiating are too different. You see how tough of a time Canadian and American teams have when they play international games with European referees. It's not a fault on the referee, but that is how games are called in Europe, and it is not how games are called in North America.
I would be more accepting to the idea if the European referee wanting an NHL job would start in Canadian Junior or US College hockey to get used to the North American game, and develop from there.