Some would say that Don Koharski was a great referee with a distinguished career in the NHL. Others would say that he was a fat pig that liked donuts.
In the illustrious history of the NHL, certain figures stand out not only for their on-ice contributions but also for the memorable tales that surround them. One such figure is former NHL referee Don Koharski. Let’s have a look into his hockey career, the famous donut incident involving Jim Schoenfeld, and the path that led him to become one of the most recognizable faces in hockey officiating.
The Road to the NHL:
Born on December 2, 1955, in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. Don Koharski’s journey to the NHL began at the grassroots level.
Koharski’s climb up the officiating ladder was marked by his professionalism and a commitment to excellence. After gaining experience in various minor and junior leagues, he became a linesman in the WHA at the age of 19. In 1976 he was hired by the American Hockey League and quickly made the move to the NHL in 1977 as a linesman. He was promoted to referee in 1980 and the rest is history.
Lengthy Career in the NHL:
Don Koharski’s NHL officiating career spanned an impressive 32 years. He made his NHL debut in the 1977-78 season and went on to work 1,729 regular-season games and 262 playoff contests. He worked in 11 Stanley Cup finals, the Canada Cup finals in 1987 and 1991, and NHL All-Star games in 1992 and 2000. His longevity in the league speaks volumes about his skill, adaptability, and the respect he garnered from players, coaches, and fans alike.
The Donut Incident:
One of the most infamous moments in Don Koharski’s career came during the 1988 playoffs and involved a heated confrontation with Jim Schoenfeld, then the head coach of the New Jersey Devils. Following a contentious game against the Boston Bruins, where Schoenfeld was upset with the officiating, he famously called Koharski a “fat pig” as the officials left the ice.
What ensued was a confrontation in the corridor between the locker rooms. It was during this exchange that the “donut incident” occurred. As the story goes, Schoenfeld yelled at Koharski, “Have another donut, you fat pig!” The incident escalated, resulting in Schoenfeld being suspended for one game and the now-legendary phrase entering hockey folklore.
Legacy:
Beyond the donut incident, Don Koharski left a lasting impact on the NHL officiating community. His career, marked by professionalism and consistency paved the way for the next generation of referees. Koharski’s ability to manage the intensity of the game and make tough decisions earned him the respect of players and coaches across the league (except Jim Schoenfeld maybe). On April 9, 2009 Koharski refereed his last game between the Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning.
In conclusion, Don Koharski’s journey from the amateur leagues to the pinnacle of professional hockey officiating is a testament to his dedication and skill. While the donut incident may be a humorous footnote in his storied career, Koharski’s legacy is defined by his contributions to the game and the mark he left on the world of NHL officiating.
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