An “outrageous” exchange between London Knights forward Ryan Humphrey and an off-ice official in the penalty box at Peterborough’s rink in Game 4 of the Ontario Hockey League final has been reviewed by league executives.
An “outrageous” exchange between London Knights forward Ryan Humphrey and an off-ice official in the penalty box at Peterborough’s rink during Game 4 of the Ontario Hockey League final has been reviewed by league executives.
“We had the opportunity to speak to Ryan and the penalty box attendant,” OHL vice-president Ted Baker said. “Both were very respectful and appreciative of the fact that they were able to rise above (the situation).”
Humphrey was furious after being whistled for a high-sticking penalty early in the third period of London’s 5-3, Game 4 loss Wednesday night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Replays show his stick went nowhere near the face of Petes forward Brennan Othmann, who immediately snapped his head back and successfully sold the call.
His beef with the referees took a bizarre turn when TSN cameras caught him in an argument with the penalty box attendant, who kept motioning for him to sit down. Humphrey took exception to the scolding during the first of his three third-period infractions, but the pair later patched it up and were seen laughing and joking with each other.
Humphrey even got a pat on the back as he was about to exit back onto the ice.
The league chalked it up to the emotional escalation of a highly charged situation that was later calmed based on proper communication and respect for each other.
“I give both individuals credit for rising above and finding common ground and moving on with the game in a respectful fashion,” Baker said. “That was good to see.”
The 20-year-old winger from Northville, Mich., plays with a chip on his shoulder but is considered a happy-go-lucky teammate and always in a good mood.
“That (interaction between player and attendant) should never happen.”
The league also addressed concerns that the Knights had to duck beers coming off the ice and used the same exit as patrons while loading their bus. The Petes sold out Games 3 and 4 and a Game 6, if necessary, is scheduled to be played in Peterborough Sunday night.
