[troutman]

C'Mon, Ref: Prust violated a "code"

http://www.tsn.ca/c-mon-ref-prust-vi...-code-1.274732

We don't yet know what was actually said in the exchange between referee Brad Watson and Brandon Prust, other than comments alleged by Prust in his 'tell-all' post-game interview. Granted, the optics caught on camera at the penalty box, demonstrating a stern finger-pointing lecture from the referee, did not look very professional. We have to reserve final judgment, however, until the results of a formal investigation into the matter have been concluded by Colin Campbell, Sr. V.P. Of Hockey Operations.

Regardless of what was or wasn't said, Prust exercised very poor judgement by taking these allegations against referee Brad Watson to a public forum. The slogan, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" is traditionally a 'code' within the game of hockey. It serves no useful purpose to wash the dirty laundry in the public arena. If (and I personally express a very big "IF"), unprofessional and inappropriate comments were made by the referee there was an appropriate forum for Prust to lodge a complaint through his coach, Michel Terrien, and then to Habs general manager, Marc Bergevin. There does need to be accountability.

As I watched Brandon Prust have his dark moment with the media, I was immediately reminded of Alexandre Burrows standing on a soapbox and bring allegations against former NHL referee Stephane Auger of deliberately targeting the Canuck forward. Following an investigation into that matter, Auger was cleared of any and all inappropriate comments alleged by Burrows. It is inconceivable for me to believe that Brad Watson would unload on any player, regardless of the circumstance, in the profane and unprofessional manner that Brandon Prust has alleged. The jury is out until all evidence is gathered.

With a courtesy extended by Watson not to penalize Prust further, the referee appeared very agitated by something the player said just prior to entering the penalty box. I don't condone the officious manner in which the referee proceeded to lecture Prust; especially utilizing a finger point at the player for a "stern" visual effect. Just as the penalty box door was being closed by Watson a parting shot from Prust resulted in the trigger being pulled by the referee to assess an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. That is where it should have ended.

While this is something for the league to manage, we need to reserve final judgment until a full investigation is completed. There needs to be accountability on both sides for sure. As upset or offended as the referee might have been, I find it hard to believe that Brad Watson would fall so far below the line of professional decorum to say what has been alleged by Brandon Prust. Regardless of the outcome of any investigation, Prust has violated a "code." His comments won't sit well with the officiating fraternity.