I have enjoyed being close to the game of ice hockey in most areas for almost all of my eighty years on planet earth.

The debacle that I am writing of took place on Monday evening January 11, 2010 at G.M. Place in Vancouver. Yes, I am a Canuck fan and appreciate their wins. They did not win Monday. Perhaps the visitors were the best of the two teams involved but shouldn't they have been given the opportunity to prove that with dignity.

On-ice officials who determine the winner of a game while pursuing their own personal vendettas against a hockey club or a player, should face disciplinary action as do players and coaches when they err.

The clowns that were masquerading as ice hockey referees on Monday must be sent back to the circuses from which they escaped, and the National Hockey League brass should intensify the search for more knowledgeable, competent people.

Many fans are going to say, "Don't get your shirt in a knot, it's all part of the game". You know they are right. This is the attitude taken by most of the silent majority but I am saying it should not be part of the game, amateur or professional.

It is about time that we, the complacent fans, who in the end pay all the officials' salaries from the top down, receive some strong, fair disciplinary action on miscreants in the refereeing system.

Please do not take offense to this letter. There are many dedicated hard working on- ice officials both amateur and professionals who do an exemplary, often voluntary unpaid job.

Bob Murray
Merritt