
Advertise on podcast: Scouting The Refs Podcast #RefsPodcast
Rating
4.4from
This podcast has
199 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Scouting the RefsExplicit
No
Date created
2019/10/03
Latest episode
2026/04/18
Average duration
19 min.
Release period
8 days
Description
Scouting The Refs follows hockey officials across the NHL, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world, including news, rule changes and interpretations, suspensions, and statistics on officials and penalty calls. Todd Lewis is a veteran broadcaster covering the NHL and other major league sports; a former host on the NHL Network and on NHL Network Radio, he’s also worked for TSN and Sportsnet as a host/anchor. Josh Smith is the founder of Scouting the Refs, the leading independent resource related to hockey officiating. #RefsPodcast
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The NHL Rulebook is Wrong, 38 Special was Right
2026/04/18
This week:
23,596 penalty minutes... how do you measure a year?Liney Steve Barton hangs 'em upNHL Stanley Cup Playoff Officiating - how do they pick the officials and how does it work in the postseason?A high-sticking penalty review turns into a non-call. It's the right interpretation under the rule book... so is the rule just WRONG?Stick fouls abound at Sabres vs. Stars as Radek Faska gets penalized for causing a self-inflicted high-stickJordan Greenway sends Ilya Lyubushkin's stick flyingAnother Colorado Avalanche offside controversy... and we're not sure we agree with the call on this one.---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
Diver Down!
2026/04/13
This week:
Ben Betker's NHL Refereeing DebutMcAvoy's flying stick gets two minutesHigh sticking fines for Luostarinen and StromeFlyers' Michkov fined for divingLearning what is - and is not - goaltender interference at Bruins vs. Canes, after a goal is allowed after contact in the crease and Bussi drops to sell an elbowMammoth's Weegar gets bailed out by the Utah video coachCalgary's Zary clearly has a 'distinct kicking motion' but the NHL allows this goal to standSharks' Askarov flips his net... but the goal still counts---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
Hey, That's Mine!
2026/04/03
This week:
Linesman Brad Kovachik's final NHL gameStars' Bichsel steals Karlsson's stickSabres' Thompson penalized after his stick is deflected by Detroit's Edvinsson's follow-throughLeafs' Domi goes after Ducks' GudasToronto's Pezzetta called for abuse of officialsPanthers' Paul Maurice says "STFU"Goalie fight! Markstrom vs. ShesterkinPanthers' Gregor takes out Sens' YakemchukOttawa's Tkachuk takes a slashing penalty from the benchFlyers' Marton has rookie run-in with refJets' Pionk goes lowChris Pronger weighs in on Player Safety---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
Caught in the Crossfire
2026/03/27
On this week's show:
Caught in the crossfire as liney Kilian McNamara catches a high stick during a scrumPanthers' AJ Grees suspended three games for boarding Flames Connor ZaryGoaltender interference?! You don't say! Breaking down NHL Situation Room decisions at Penguins vs. Jets, Jackets vs. Islanders, Wild vs. Lightning, and Avalanche vs. Penguins. Looking for consistency here... but will we find it?Rangers' Miller breaks Sens' Chabot's arm with a cross-check -- no penalty, no fineDucks' Sennecke gets fined $2000 for divingMatch penalty but no fine or suspension to Pierre-Luc Dubois for bulldogging Blues' Thomasand once again, Tom Wilson is whistled for a questionable hit.---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
Give Me Five!
2026/03/13
Pens' Evgeni Malkin gets five games for slashingIslanders' Bo Horvat fined $2500 for poking a SharkNo call, not fine after Isles' Mat Barzal picks Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose SharksIt's a wild one at Sabres vs. Lightning with plenty of goals and penalty minutesTampa's Brandon Hagel gets four minutes for a one-sided attack on Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin; he deserved quite a bit more than that from the refsDucks' Johnston takes out Blues' Holl from behindWas it a hand pass? Sens' Pinto deflects the puck with his glove, leading to a goal that held up after a Coach's ChallengeMack goes bowling! Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon gets ejected for running over Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram -- but was it even his fault?
---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
Golden Goal, New Cameras, and Too Many Men... Again
2026/02/27
This week, Todd and Josh tackle:
Olympic recap of the Gold Medal Game between USA and CanadaAnother Too Many Men... or was it?Bennett sticks 'em upWilson blows up LarkinNHL officials earn their stripes at Milan CortinoUpgraded cameras for the NHLMaple Leafs go 2-0 on Coach's ChallengesWhat else can we automate?
---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
Too Many Czechs on the Ice
2026/02/21
Plenty of Olympic hockey on tap this week:
Too many Czechs on the ice - but what can we do about it?Why can’t you challenge a too many men penaltyAnd, yes, the officials can count to six, as Canada found out in their next gameKeep an eye - and a skate - on those faceoffsUSA’s Britta Curl’s major penalty vs. Canada reduced to two minutesPenalty shot at Switzerland vs. SwedenGoaltender interference for Canada’s Sam Bennett vs. FinlandA close call on a Coach’s Challenge on Canada’s game-winning goal to get them to the gold medal game---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
Tom Wilson: International Man of Misery
2026/02/17
On this week's Olympic edition of the #RefsPodcast, we cover the rule differences between the NHL and Olympics, including goaltender interference, illegal checks to the head, penalty shots, situation room vs. on-ice official reviews, fighting, and more. Team Canada's Tom Wilson makes his presence felt in Milano Cortina after an injury to Kevin Fiala of Switzerland, then drops the gloves in a game against France -- who said there was no fighting at the Olympics?! Stateside, we've got a three-game suspension in the AHL for physical abuse of officials.
---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
Talking Olympics with NHL Ref Ian Walsh
2026/02/10
Retired NHL referee Ian Walsh shares his journey from officiating in the NHL to mentoring young officials in various leagues. He talks with Todd and Josh about the importance of feedback and coaching for up-and-coming referees, the role of replay technology in officiating, and his memorable experiences at the Sochi Olympics. Ian also compares the officiating styles and rules between the NHL and IIHF, emphasizing the need for officials to trust their instincts and adapt to the game on this special edition of the #RefsPodcast.
---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
How Did That Get There?
2026/02/07
On a jam-packed edition of the #RefsPodcast:
Preds' McCarron fined for slashingOHL's Levac gets six games for slewfootIsles' Duclair's goaltender interference on Preds' SarosNo call on Caps' Wilson for steamrolling Canes' StankovenAnother goalie fight! Swayman vs. VasilevskiyOT penalty cancels out game-winner for Bruins' PastrnakSens' Giroux takes out Pens' Silovs, but the goal standsCanucks' Kane stirring things upFlames' Cooley gets saved by the whistlePenalty minutes pile up in the latest Battle of Florida between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers
Clear your calendars! Oilers fans—imagine spending a week in the sun with Edmonton legends! The Edmonton Hockey Legends Cruise 2026 sails July 17–24, 2026 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, cruising the Mexican Riviera.
On board: Jason Strudwick, Bill Ranford, Ron Low, Gene Principe, Jack Michaels, Kelly Buchberger, and Louie DeBrusk.
You’ll get meet & greets, hot-stove sessions, Q&A panels, autographs, and a chance to watch the World Cup Final at sea with the legends. Cabins start at $2,399 CAD, and it’s just a $500 deposit to lock it in.
Book at cast.tours/edmonton and use promo code REFS2026 for $100 off per person—again, that’s cast.tours/edmonton - promo code REFS2026 - to save $100 per guest.
---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
Rust Ruling, Bench Shenanigans, and a Triple Play
2026/01/30
On this week's #RefsPodcast:
Penguins' Rust gets three gamesLeafs' Nylander's $5000 fingerCaps' Duhaime whips his stick out on the benchRangers whistled for three penalties on the same play Isles' DeAngelo takes two for abuse of officials... though they may have broken protocol on the callCapitals bank one of the photographers' hole and inAvs' Manson has a major penalty rescinded after review vs. the CanadiensGood guy Macklin Celebrini tries to help the refs out with a penalty call.
Clear your calendars! Oilers fans—imagine spending a week in the sun with Edmonton legends! The Edmonton Hockey Legends Cruise 2026 sails July 17–24, 2026 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, cruising the Mexican Riviera.
On board: Jason Strudwick, Bill Ranford, Ron Low, Gene Principe, Jack Michaels, Kelly Buchberger, and Louie DeBrusk.
You’ll get meet & greets, hot-stove sessions, Q&A panels, autographs, and a chance to watch the World Cup Final at sea with the legends. Cabins start at $2,399 CAD, and it’s just a $500 deposit to lock it in.
Book at cast.tours/edmonton and use promo code REFS2026 for $100 off per person—again, that’s cast.tours/edmonton - promo code REFS2026 - to save $100 per guest.
---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
The Ol' Gordie Howe Goalie Hat Trick
2026/01/26
On this week's #RefsPodcast:
Checking in on injured liney Steve BartonPreds' Stamkos fined for bench shenanigansCaps' Klapka also gets involved from the bench, picking up a penalty but nothing from Player SafetyIntent to blow at Oilers vs. BluesGoalie fight!Phantom tripping penalty called on Canadiens' HutsonANOTHER Sabres goalie penalty!No call for Blue Jackets' Olivier's hit on Lightning's CernakPenalty call after Sens' Cozens boards Canes' Hall -- but the penalty came against Hall for abuse of officials after complaining about the non-callUtah's O'Brien avoids a penalty for a hard hit on Flyers' Tippett. Right call?
Clear your calendars! Oilers fans—imagine spending a week in the sun with Edmonton legends! The Edmonton Hockey Legends Cruise 2026 sails July 17–24, 2026 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, cruising the Mexican Riviera.
On board: Jason Strudwick, Bill Ranford, Ron Low, Gene Principe, Jack Michaels, Kelly Buchberger, and Louie DeBrusk.
You’ll get meet & greets, hot-stove sessions, Q&A panels, autographs, and a chance to watch the World Cup Final at sea with the legends. Cabins start at $2,399 CAD, and it’s just a $500 deposit to lock it in.
Book at cast.tours/edmonton and use promo code REFS2026 for $100 off per person—again, that’s cast.tours/edmonton - promo code REFS2026 - to save $100 per guest.
---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
NAHL's Kendall Hanley on Officiating Camps
2026/01/22
NAHL Officiating Manager Kendall Hanley joins the show to talk about the North American Hockey League (NAHL)'s upcoming Officiating Exposure Camps - applications are open now! She also looks back on her career including a recent IIHF tournament and working the women's tournament at the 2022 Winter Olympics, and shares some opportunities for those considering picking up a whistle through the "Try Officiating" initiative.
More info at Scouting The Refs
---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
Missed One Here... and Maybe There
2026/01/18
On this week's #RefsPodcast:
Milestone for MacPherson: 1000 NHL GamesBlackhawks' Foligno busted for doggy-paddling off the drawOilers' McDavid with a controversial goaltender interference call.Panthers' Verhaege penalized for boarding Sens' Zub -- bt not harshly enoughEdmonton's Zach Hyman hip-checks the puck into the net... you can't do that.Rangers and Bruins go to intermission... and then come back after reviewBuffalo's Ukko-Pekka Lukkonen is the only goaltender to be called for hooking in the past five years -- and he's done it twice... with the same referee working!Detroit's Copp got away with clearing some space for his overtime winner vs. Carolina
Clear your calendars! Oilers fans—imagine spending a week in the sun with Edmonton legends! The Edmonton Hockey Legends Cruise 2026 sails July 17–24, 2026 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, cruising the Mexican Riviera.
On board: Jason Strudwick, Bill Ranford, Ron Low, Gene Principe, Jack Michaels, Kelly Buchberger, and Louie DeBrusk.
You’ll get meet & greets, hot-stove sessions, Q&A panels, autographs, and a chance to watch the World Cup Final at sea with the legends. Cabins start at $2,399 CAD, and it’s just a $500 deposit to lock it in.
Book at cast.tours/edmonton and use promo code REFS2026 for $100 off per person—again, that’s cast.tours/edmonton - promo code REFS2026 - to save $100 per guest.
---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
Buddy the Ref and NHL Lumberjacks
2026/01/03
On this week's #RefsPodcast:
We’ve seen Will Ferrell at hockey games as Buddy the Elf, but he recently sat ice-level at a Kings game in full ref gear. Those Christmas bills are coming due as the NHL dishes out fines to Tampa Bay Lightning’s Scott Sabourin, Florida Panthers’ Anton Lundell, and New York Islanders’ Mat Barzal - who channeled his inner lumberjack to take a hack at Mason Marchment.Florida Panther Brad Marchand avoided a suspension - which would have seen him miss the Winter Classic against the New York Rangers - for elbowing Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike MathesonKicking it in Miami as Sam Reinhart’s skate goal gets waved off for a distinct kicking motionSeattle Kraken’s Vince Dunn has a goal called back for interference, but surprising not the kind of interference you’re thinking ofThree retirements north of the the border as Ryan Hutchinson works his final OHL game and longtime officials Chad and Cody Huseby wrap up their WHL careers. And, from the mailbag, an interesting opportunity to pull the goalie on a delayed whistle.Clear your calendars! Oilers fans—imagine spending a week in the sun with Edmonton legends! The Edmonton Hockey Legends Cruise 2026 sails July 17–24, 2026 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, cruising the Mexican Riviera.
On board: Jason Strudwick, Bill Ranford, Ron Low, Gene Principe, Jack Michaels, Kelly Buchberger, and Louie DeBrusk.
You’ll get meet & greets, hot-stove sessions, Q&A panels, autographs, and a chance to watch the World Cup Final at sea with the legends. Cabins start at $2,399 CAD, and it’s just a $500 deposit to lock it in.
Book at cast.tours/edmonton and use promo code REFS2026 for $100 off per person—again, that’s cast.tours/edmonton - promo code REFS2026 - to save $100 per guest.
---------------
Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads. Email us your questions - [email protected]
Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the RefLine and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS! #RefsPodcast
The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We'll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was - or wasn't - handed out.
Podcast reviews
Read Scouting The Refs Podcast #RefsPodcast podcast reviews
TheChillUmpire 2020/05/21
Good Discussions
I really enjoy the discussion and the insight into the world of hockey officiating. I think it’s good to open the door to the officiating world becaus...
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