from Mark Spector of Sportsnet,
In that bygone era of the colourful National Hockey League referee, the only thing that was black and white about Mick McGeough were the stripes he wore through 20 seasons and more than 1,000 games.
Helmetless and with his name emblazoned on his back, while players came and went there wasn’t a hockey fan who didn’t come to recognize McGeough’s vivid, controversial style.
McGeough died in a Regina hospital early Saturday, felled by a stroke he suffered Sunday. He was just 62, and working as a supervisor of officials for the NHL as he readied himself for full retirement.
He’ll be remembered as a colourful, controversial official, with a last name that matched a famous cartoon character known for his poor eyesight and lack of better judgement. The fact that McGeough became an NHL referee was testament to his thick skin and steeled backbone.
“Either that, or I’m not too smart,” he once joked, pausing to think. “Likely the latter.”
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