Legendary Official Bill McCreary Hangs Up His Whistle
Any way you slice it, a career consisting of 1,737 regular season games is very impressive. In fact, it's more games than the Great One, Wayne Gretzky, skated in--playoffs included--in his career.
Anyone watching NHL hockey for the past couple of decades knows the name Bill McCreary. Like Dave "The Hammer" Shultz, Dale "Big Game" Hunter, and Stu "Grim Reaper" Grimson, any true fan could pick him out of a lineup. He's arguably one of the best known officials to ever blow his whistle on the ice, and sometimes the scapegoat of losing teams.
Bill McCreary started as an NHL official in 1984, skating in his first game featuring the New Jersey Devils and the Washington Capitals. It ended Saturday night, also in the nations' capitol, as the Caps beat the Buffalo Sabres 5-4 in overtime.
It was a bit of an odd game as McCreary didn't even call a penalty until the 7:59 mark of the 3rd period, and that was against the Caps for too many men on the ice. This had plenty of people, including those calling the game on DirecTV, wondering if McCreary was going out to pasture with his whistle tucked firmly in his pocket.
In truth, the flow of the game was such that no whistles for penalties was warranted. Also, players, coaches, fans, and owners will agree: Bill McCreary has had a thoughtful career and was one of the most fair and reliable referees to ever lace them up.
Here's to a great retirement, Bill. Good on ya for all your years of service and dedication to the NHL. You will sincerely be missed.
