Things That Make Me Go Hmm...

• It looks like Western Hockey League referee's will get a helping hand next season as video replay will be used in all regular season games. Camera's are currently being mounted above the nets at Prospera Place for the start of the playoffs, and those camera's will remain there permanently. Up until now the Western Hockey League used video replay for playoff games only. The Ontario Hockey League has used video replay for regular season games since 2006.
• Assuming the use of video replay full-time next season, where does that leave the goal judges? Will they be a thing of the past as they become redundant? How many times do you actually see a referee on a disputed goal communicate with the goal judge anyway? If anything the referee usually discusses the matter with his linesman and uses the goal judge as a last resort.
• Look for the Western Hockey League to follow the lead of the NHL. If the NHL eliminates the goal judge, the volunteers who have one of the best seats in the house will have to buy a ticket and sit in the stands.
• The crowd Saturday in Calgary was impressive. Over 16 thousand fans took in the Rockets 2-1 win over the Hitmen proved once again that the WHL works in that city. The Hitmen should be applauded for the product they put on - both on and off the ice.
• I watched the Hitmen work out Thursday and was impressed how head coach Dave Lowry conducted himself. Lowry was leading the charge when doing a series of skating drills with the players that likely were not in the lineup Saturday against the Rockets. Sure he was huff'n and puff'n, but what a great example for the players. I often see Jeff Finley winding it up with the Rockets players during a brisk skate around the ice at practice. Darn rights!
• I had a brief conversation with Mario Tremblay before the Minnesota Wild took to the Saddledome ice after the Rockets practiced there Thursday. Tremblay - an assistant coach with the Wild - was doing some pre-practice stretching along the boards. Tremblay too wasn't just going to conduct practice without limbering up first. As he said to me "At my age I have too".
• Prospera Place wouldn't need a grandio score clock like the one at the Saddledome, but wouldn't it be cool if a new clock/video screen could produce a player introduction like the one seen in Calgary?