"It is all about the big picture"

Pierre Racicot began his refereeing career at the age of 14. In 1993, he made his NHL debut as a linesman. With 1,880 regular-season games, he ranks 14th in all-time stats. In addition, "Racer" officiated in 254 playoff games (seventh among NHL officials). On May 8, 2021, he was on the ice for the last time in the world's best league in the Florida Panthers versus Tampa Bay Lightning. He ended his active career on November 20 in the game spusu Vienna Capitals vs. Dornbirn Bulldogs in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League. During his three-month stay, the 54-year-old Canadian worked intensively with the referees on and off the ice.

How did you enjoy your time in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League in general?
First of all, it's important for me to mention that working in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League was a great experience for me personally. I learned a lot during this time and was able to take away valuable aspects for my future life. I was able to gain international experience in league operations, in player safety and in creating schedules.

What kind of development were the ICE referees able to make while working with you?
The bet-at-home ICE Hockey League referees have made a great development. During my stay, it was mainly about the "big picture" of the sport. We put a big focus on reading the game better and worked a lot on communication. Timing is hugely important in our work and is often underestimated. You have to develop a sense of when is the right time to communicate and intervene in the game. My involvement on the ice allowed me to give immediate feedback to the referees - and that was immensely valuable.

Will you continue the cooperation with the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League?
We remain in regular exchange, of course. I just recently had another coordination call with Lyle Seitz and the entire crew. Of course, I will continue to provide feedback via my video analyses, but it can't be compared to direct input on the ice. In a few months, I will also come back to Austria for a short time. But especially personally, I have been able to make very valuable contacts that will last a lifetime.

How do you rate the sporting level of the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League?
The level got better from week to week. As in any other league, the teams always need some time to get together. But you could see right from the start that extremely fast hockey is played here, where individual skills play a big role. Especially in the last weeks, the games were on a remarkable level. Emotions have not been lacking either. These are essential for our sport.

Were you emotional when you played the last game?
There were and are very mixed emotions. On the one hand, the end is also the beginning of a new chapter, which I'm really looking forward to, but on the other hand, this activity has been my life. I was an NHL referee for the last 28 years and now I was allowed to add three more months in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League. Every single time you go out on the ice, it's a very special experience - you're part of the game. You can't compare standing inside the boards with anything else. I'll miss that feeling, of course.

What's the new chapter?
I'll be working in the NHL as a referee manager. That includes referee development and making sure the high standards are met. My weeks won't be too different from before, except that I won't be on the ice anymore. I'm very happy to still serve the sport and the game.

How difficult is it as a player or referee to play without audience in the current situation?
At the moment, the immediate emotions of the audience are gone. The players on the ice now have to push themselves or each other much harder. It is important that we are constantly aware that the emotions of the spectators are not gone, but simply not directly noticeable to us. But the fans at home are just as fired up for the game - also because of that, it's important to keep the energy level up in the game. We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are privileged to still be able to work - not everyone is so lucky. Players, referees, coaches have to give each other the necessary energy in this situation. We owe that to the fans.

In which areas can the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League still develop further?
The league has already achieved a very high level of professionalism. Both in terms of organization and the level of referees and players. Many players would do anything to be able to play in this league. For them, it's more than just in job, it's a destiny.

Of course, there is always room for development: a further expansion of the technical infrastructure would help every league - including this one - there is hardly a limit to what can be achieved. More important, however, is the immediate feedback. Regular coaching brings us all forward, we must never sit back. Furthermore, it is important for teams and the league to continue to sell the game as a real event. A visit to the arena is about much more than just watching the game. It's comparable to going to the theater, it's about the whole experience. Fans have to look forward to their visit to the arena all day, with everything that entails. Of course, the pandemic is slowing us down. The important thing is to get back to full speed afterwards.