January 12, 2008
Disallowed Wisconsin Goal Gives Denver the Win
CHN Staff Report
Denver was again on the positive end of a video review controversy Friday night, hanging on for a 3-2 win when a Wisconsin goal in the waning moments was disallowed.
The play, a shot by Matthew Ford coming off a faceoff to the left of Denver goalie Peter Mannino, was originally called a goal by the referees on the ice. However, after a check of the video replay, the referees reversed the decision.
Looking at video replay of the even off the Fox Sports Rocky Mountain feed, it appears (see video on right) that the red light came on (indicating a goal) prior to the green light (indicating the end of the period). The video also shows 0.3 seconds left on the clock — however, that is not necessarily indicative of the proper time. However, the green light/red light should be a correct differentiation.
That notwithstanding, Badgers coaches were also upset after the game because the officials twice did not stop the clock in time in the final minute of play.
Once Denver iced the puck, and the clock didn't stop right away. Referee Randy Schmidt put 28.8 seconds back on the clock, but then one-tenth of a second clicked off before the faceoff.
Later, after another icing, Schmidt had to put one second back on the scoreboard, setting the time at 3.7 seconds just before the final play.
"Why is it that twice in a game, their people can't hear the whistle to stop the clock when it should be stopped?" Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves said to the Capital Times. "We've got a real issue here in this building."
Schmidt is the same official that was embroiled in a controversy when Denver played St. Cloud State earlier this season. In that game, a Denver goal was allowed to stand despite video evidence that there was goaltender interference on the play. Denver won that game by one goal. Later, the WCHA office wrote an official letter of apology to St. Cloud State.
I was watching the game too, and my first thought was, how closely was the tv game clock synchronized with the actual game clock? Did Schmidt have access to a replay that showed the actual game clock instead, and did that replay show that the puck crossed the line after the real clock expired? That was my guess, but I have not seen confirmation or denial of this anywhere yet.
Jan 12 2008, 4:00 pm by Mike Machnik, CHN
The replay is normally the TV feed. The red light shoud be connected to the official clock. There was no need for a review as the puck was in prior to time expiring, it was signaled by 2 on ice officials and the goal judge, the red light came on. The WCHA needs give the option to Wisconsin of a tie or playing the over time.
Jan 12 2008, 4:49 pm by Vito C
The WCHA replay system uses equipment that is completely separate from the any TV feed. It consists of cameras located directly above both goals. That's it. No other angles. It is tied into the game clock. That's why no WCHA fan has EVER seen the same replay that the officials see. This gives the referees plausible deniability no matter what call they make. Wisconsin isn't the first team to get screwed by this system (UAA was ... in DU's arena coincidentally) in the first (experiemental) season it was used. Referee's (mistakes and all) are an integral part of a sporting event. Unless we are alleging that Schmidt was acting in a biased manner then we have to learn to live with these sorts of interpretations since we are disallowed (by design) to witness the replay. It's important to note that even if TV replays show an overhead view that it does not come from the official replay system.
Jan 12 2008, 6:05 pm by Donald Dunlop, Anchorage
The replay the refs see has nothing to do with the replay on TV. They are seperate feeds.
Additionally, the game clock and the TV clock are seperate as well. The game clock in the arena showed 2.7 second left prior to the faceoff, while the TV clock showed 3.7 seconds. Schmidt reviewed the game clock, which had expired before the puck went in, so it's easy to see why the goal was disallowed.
Jan 12 2008, 6:08 pm by PS, Denver
"Nelson" from Lansing, I suspect you will be defending Mr. Scmidt's antics... and his right to remain nameless... again.
Jan 12 2008, 6:11 pm by Jamie, Minneapolis
Schmidt isn't a DU alum is he?
Jan 12 2008, 6:28 pm by Peter, Maine
Nelson, Now do you think that the refs name should be included in the article...Especially when it was the same ref that screwed up the DU-SCSU game? Unbelievable!!!! Fire Randy Schmidt!!!
Jan 13 2008, 4:32 am by Jeff, Fargo
Donald Dunlop, "plausible deniabilty" is not something that referees should be pleading. Donald Dunlop, is your real name Donald Adams??? I think it is. Plausible deniabilty?? I'm speechless. Randy Schmidt is a referee. He's paid to be a referee. He's a referee in the best conference in the country. Plausible deniabilty?? Are you kidding me??? The fact that you're pleading plausible deniability for Randy Schmidt after he's blown (two plays that the WCHA has said were effed up...how often does that happen? It used to be never, until,,, Randy Schmidt started reffing) TWO REVIEWABLE plays is asinine. Plausible deniabiltiy is what you plan for Navy Seals sneaking into a foreign country to do some illegal shit, it's not what a DI college ref can, would, could, should ever claim.
I'll get back to you Donald Dunlop in the morning.
Plausible deniabilty????? Look up the definition Donald. WTF?
I nominate Donalds post for the best "randy schmidt is my DAD" post of the year.
Jan 13 2008, 4:49 am by Jeff, Fargo
FIRE RANDY SCHMIDT and the clowns that allow him still to have a job. UFB!!!
Jan 13 2008, 4:51 am by Jeff, Fargo
What about the lights? video clearly shows time on the clock when red light came on (signifies a goal) before the green, which signifies stoppage of play and/or end of period/game. Being a ref Schmidt should know that! Schmidt blew it for the second time. He should be fired and/or retrained and suspended for the rest of this season, before he screws up another game!
Jan 13 2008, 9:29 pm by Jake , Oconomowoc
Jeff in Fargo,
Your apparent fascination with my name aside; If you thought I was defending Randy Schmidt then you need reading lessons.
I mentioned the "plausible deniability" that the separate system gives them as a criticism of the system they use. They designed it that way so they don't have to share it with the public. To put it into words that a North Dakotan can understand ... "It is a really bad thing and they were just trying to cover their butts when they designed the system"
Is that better? Do you get it now?
Schmidt sucks as a ref. So do most of them in the WCHA. But you know what my clueless friend? They are what they are ... It is what it is. Deal with it.
I'd explain here why it was a mistake for Bruce McLeod to apologize for this error but you couldn't begin to grasp the concept of an empty shirt. If I could find a way to correlate the decision to an empty brain then I'm quite sure you'd be able to relate.
Shut up and get back into your quanset hut.
Jan 13 2008, 9:40 pm by Donald Dunlop, Anchorage
Jeff ...
Here is Wikipedia's definition of "plausible deniability" in context to my reference (the context to my reference translated to North Dakotan means ... "this is how I used the phrase dumbass")
"More generally, "plausible deniability" can also apply to any act that leaves little or no evidence of wrongdoing or abuse."
Backwoods illiterate provincial twits really ought to stick to commenting on backwoods illiterate provincial forums.
Jan 14 2008, 2:02 am by Donald Dunlop, Anchorage
Jamie... My opinion about printing the name of this official (or any official) is unchanged. I think it adds nothing to the story except to incite fans. Believe me... it is absolutely mind-boggling that this was the SAME official embroiled in the Denver-St. Cloud controversy a few weeks ago!! But the story would have been no less mind-boggling if CHN had not printed his name. I don't know this guy; have never seen him work. But you gotta believe the Univ of Minnesota hockey staff knows him! And I'm certain they've given the league an ear-full. I have faith that the league will take action. MY QUESTION: Where was the back-up Timekeeper? The CCHA requires a back-up Timekeeper at all our matches. Not so in the WCHA?
Jan 14 2008, 11:52 am by Nelson, Lansing MI
Randy Schmidt is known for calls against Wisconsin. He has a reputation for it. It's no surprise that his name is tacked on to this mess. Is he a Denver alum? Then that's no surpise either.
Jan 14 2008, 2:37 pm by Jack, Madison
Can someone out there refresh my memory as to who the referee was in a wcha final five game between und and denver that resulted in a minor penalty against denver and a und player named bina on the ice with a broken neck???
Jan 14 2008, 2:59 pm by dja gf
That would be Don Adam (not to be confused by the very bright Donald Dunlop).
http://www.collegehockeystats.net/0405/boxes/mdenndk1.m18
Jan 14 2008, 9:50 pm by Jeff, Fargo
Donald Dunlop: I apologize for making a personal attack on you. I am completely aware of what plausible deniability is. I thought I read that the system was designed to give the referees plausible deniability. However, you stated that was the flaw of the system.
On another note: Seriously...You're soliciting donations for your trip to the Final Five? Is that for this year? I don't think your team (UAA) will be there this year. Maybe I'll start a blog and start soliciting beer money for the Final Five. Brilliant Idea!
Jan 14 2008, 10:07 pm by Jeff, Fargo
Way to go Schmidt. Just ignore all of the steps in place to prevent this! I would be fired or disciplined if I was totally incompetent like you. I can't wait to see you at the Kohl Center. I'll be the one holding up the banner that read: "Got the time Schmidt?"
Jan 14 2008, 10:58 pm by
Here is my impression of a Badgers fan- wah, wah, wah, boo hoo hoo, wah, we was wronged, wah, wah, wah, boo hoo hoo, wah, wah. Stop whining, it is what sometimes happen in games. Get over it you frickin whiners. Go Sioux!!
Jan 16 2008, 1:54 am by j buss seattle
I am a DU fan and my seat was immediately behind the replay monitor and I literally was looking over Schmidt's shoulder though the glass while he was reviewing the play. He was looking at the camera shot from directly above the goal not the FSN feed. Super-imposed on that image was a camera shot of a clock. Very clearly in the replay he was looking at, the puck was still in the crease when the clock was at 0.0. I was screaming at him to call no-goal and was surprised that it took him as long as it did to waive it off. His officiating on Saturday demonstrated how poor a ref he is but I don't think he is to blame for the call on Friday. Based on the TV replay, a mistake was clearly made but it seems to me that this was some sort of technical problem with the clocks or timing error out of Schmidt's control. I never thought I would be defending a ref!
Jan 17 2008, 10:53 am by Craig P. , PA
Craig P. I had heard that this was a still shot taken after the puck had bounced out of the net.
Jan 17 2008, 1:08 pm by Jeff, Fargo
Quoting from NCAA Ice Hockey Rules... (Rule 6, Sec 39): "Protests are not recognized or allowed."... And under Rule 5, Sec 3... "The referee(s) decision is final; there is no appeal."
Jan 19 2008, 10:03 am by Nelson, Lansing MI
The WCHA is not the best conference in the country.
Feb 5 2008, 8:18 pm by None, None
