Referee Wes McCauley was replaced during Game 6 of the Western Conference final between the San Jose Sharks and St Louis Blues after injuring himself in a fall.
McCauley was drifting backwards in the neutral zone during the first period of the game and backed into linesman Scott Cherry. He went down in the collision and had to be examined by the Blues’ trainer.
Popular @nhl ref Wes McCauley is done for the night at Game 6 #SJSvsSTL during the playoffs for the #StanleyCup following an awkward fall. Replaced by Gord Dwyer. pic.twitter.com/qWJX7laUXg
— Zebras On Ice (@IceZebras) May 22, 2019
McCauley was termed to have suffered a lower body injury.
Referee Wes McCauley left the @SanJoseSharks / @StLouisBlues game tonight due to a lower body injury and will not return. He will be replaced by Referee Gord Dwyer. #StanleyCup
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 22, 2019
McCauley decided it would be best for him to be replaced for the rest of the game. Gord Dwyer, who was on standby, entered the game in his place.
McCauley, 47, is a former player and regarded as one of the best referees in the league. He has reffed the Stanley Cup Finals every year since 2013.
