The players took center stage during the All-Star festivities, but two referees from Quebec also had the opportunity to be in Toronto over the weekend.
Frédérick L'Écuyer and Francis Charron, along with linesmen Brandon Gawryletz and Trent Knorr, were tasked with refereeing the best field players in the National Hockey League (NHL).
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It was also her first participation in the All-Star Game.
And if we go by L'Écuyer's words, it was something very special to have been given this opportunity.
“It was extraordinary,” he admitted to NHL journalist Dave Stubbs. Seeing so much talent in one place is something I will never forget.”
The same goes for Charron, who particularly liked being accompanied by his loved ones.
“Families are involved too,” Charron said. We travel alone so much, so it was a reward for her too. This experience is great for everyone.”
In addition, the next few days will be eventful for L'Écuyer. In fact, he will officiate his 1,000th career game on the Bettman circuit on Wednesday in the matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild.
“Eighteen years is a long journey,” confided the Saint-Tite native. In March I will celebrate my 1,000th game in Tampa with my friends and family. I'm pretty proud of that. A young person from Quebec who didn’t speak English and made several sacrifices to get here today.”