Breaking: Referee forced to leave game, Leafs and Lightning to finish game with just three officials

This just in, the NHL has officially announced that on-ice official Brad Kovachik has left tonight’s contest between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning and will NOT return, due to illness.

The remainder of the game will be played with three on-ice officials. It’s assumed that the two remaining referees will call offsides and icings, as well as penalties.

Check it out:

Linesman Brad Kovachik will not return to the @TBLightning/@MapleLeafs game due to illness. The game shall continue with three officials. #TBLvsTOR
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2019

Kovachik recently officiated his 1500th NHL game and has been a full-time linesman in the league since 1997.

Breaking: Referee forced to leave game, Leafs and Lightning to finish game with just three officials

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