Sports officials don’t usually get a chance to show their personality, but every once in a while they find a moment to have some fun at the expense of players, or even fans. That happened in the NHL on Thursday night, when referee Garrett Rank trolled the St. Louis Blues crowd during a game.
Rank was reviewing a Blues goal that was called back due to a high stick, and the replay confirmed that the goal should not be allowed. When announcing it to the crowd, Rank took the opportunity to troll the fans a bit.
“You're not gonna like it but the call on the ice was correct, no goal,” Ranks said.
"You're not gonna like it but the call on the ice was correct, no goal" 😭
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 23, 2024
WHAT A CALL FROM REFEREE GARRETT RANK 🔊 pic.twitter.com/btv8W3EElG
It helped that the Blues were up four over the New York Islanders and in control of the game, meaning the fans at the game were pleased anyway. However, while the Blues fans in attendance may not have appreciated Rank’s creativity, NHL fans watching the game enjoyed Rank’s decision.
This is what I’ve been talkin about @NFLOfficiating https://t.co/kFpfqGRgco
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 23, 2024
More of this, please. That’s tremendous. https://t.co/ibBt1eFKG9
— Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) February 23, 2024
Never heard an NHL ref do anything like this.
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) February 23, 2024
I love it. https://t.co/Slz5L0FTOU
garret rank continues to have the most clip worthy calls on the ice https://t.co/BaTaFB2jhN
— Jim Casale (@Phrost_) February 23, 2024
Reporting honesty from an NHL referee. https://t.co/Ps30vkT1Bo
— Dale Arnold (@DaleEArnold) February 23, 2024
Refs take💩all the time from players, coaches, and fans. It's about time they give a little back. https://t.co/u71whrqRhH
— Chris Gawlik (@TDChrisG) February 23, 2024
Fans always enjoy when referees show their personality during a game, and Garrett Rank proved that again with his call.
