@@jamieboquist9281 Helmets are a funny thing, aren't they. I play against guys during a game and then bump into them in the parking lot and don't even recognize them.
@@jjferary2381 He's popular because he's the best. Fair and hard, but also funny at times and someone who enjoy the game every second. Who doesn't love that?
Imagine doing a job where whatever you did people hated you for it (fans or players). That is exactly what the refs do for a living. No one ever appreciates the refs’ importance in the game, so I’m very thankful sportsnet decided to change that.
@Kip Winnernothing racist. One of the best gigs in the world. I dont buy this hard stressful job nonsense. Basically skating around out there having fun with the players chit chatting. The pros severely outweigh the cons.
@@ItsAlkey I mean obviously the guys out there are fit for the job I'm not denying that. But how much fan interaction do refs even have with fans in the first place? There's a barrier between fans sitting in the arena and the players and refs. And fans hate on players too. Am I supposed to feel sorry for them lmao? Both parties rack in hundreds of thousands often millions doing what? Working out and playing a fuckn game they all love and most of them would do it for free.
Being an Australian living in Canada I'm blown away with the respect people have for the game and how frickin tough you have to be to even keep up with how fast the puck moves..Was nice to see the same respect shown by the officials too...a thankless job at best of times, this was great! Canadians are awesome people...
Wes's dad was one of my instructors at the Bruce Hood Refereeing School around 1975. I still remember him telling me while on the ice ... "try to anticipate more," as I was skating too much and not saving energy by anticipating where the play was heading next. John was a good guy.
How can you not like Wes McCauley? You can tell that he truly enjoys his job. He's also a good official who calls the games fairly. He also respects the players and in turn the players respect him, as well.
@@HeyStripes he cares about everyone if someone's gonna get blind sided he warns the player so they don't get destroyed as bad he just does the little things to perfection, he cares about the players the coaches an the game! Your pops would be proud Wes
Mr. McCauley, my father was an American Hockey league linesman. He played for Eddie Shore with the Springfield Indians. I Loved, going to the Eastern States Coliseum in West Springfield Massachusetts. I still cherish those memories today. Thank you for doing what you do.
I love hearing before the game that Wes will be refereeing it. You just know he is going to call it fare and square! Plus his comedy side is fun also. Yes referees are human to.
Wes is amazing, he respects the players and the players respect him. It's so perfect. He better be the Director of Officiating and into the Hall of Fame
I'm a new hockey fan and have been diving in and learning as much as I can. I see this gentleman all the time in the videos I watch here on UA-cam, and he seems like an absolute gem. It's a beautiful story to see him follow in his dad's footsteps.
The amount of understanding Wes has is amazing and ultimate. Maximum respect to Wes. I see it was John who started this greatness. It looks like the McCauley's weren't able to keep Koharski away from the donuts though.
A real pleasure to watch this guy work the game. Its hard to imagine a ref adding so much to the dynamic but the players love it and the game is better for what he brings. Thanks Wes for making our game more interesting for all involved.
Hockey maniac from South of the 49th here, this clip was beyond awesome and my only complaint is that it wasn't about 30 minutes longer. Simply a great look on and off the ice at one of the most respected guys in the game. You do a great job Wes, and you make it all very human, serious, but not so much that we can't see that the officials and players do have a bit of a relationship at times. When I reffed a little bit of amateur hockey years back (bantams & midget) I used to go to each bench right before every game and tell them to play their best and hardest, and do me a favor, help me keep my whistle in my pocket. The results were amazing...
Went to a game a few night ago that he called. Probably first time I was excited to hear the ref announced. If if you know Wes and his reputation, how can you not be excited to watch a game he refs. Respected by all, because he deserves it and has earned it. Player/coach/ref/fan - we can all learn from him. Hockey and living life right off the ice.
way too short. this deserves an hour documentary. more ice clips, more growing through the ranks, who are his other professional mentors, tips for people who are thinking about reffing, what life is really like day to day, travel schedule, what it's like on the road, so much more than just 5 min :-(
This was fascinating. I enjoy the game and watch when I can but don’t follow closely. I’ve watched Wes officiate countless games and have always seen fair calls and some of his trademark flare for calls which are always entertaining. However, this video was fascinating because over that time I had a preconceived notion of who and how Wes would be off the ice in daily life. I could not have been more wrong, what an all around great guy! It’s intriguing how his on ice persona (loud, animated, super high energy), differs from his off ice persona (quiet, calm, understated, etc. Thanks for making this!
Thanks for posting this. Wes McCauley is a gem, a fair minded & great referee. A video featuring McCauley's 'greatest hits' (weird and amusing calls) would be cool.
I will get mad at every single referee out there making a call... but I have so much respect for Wes that any time he makes a call I just shut up and agree with him!
Wes went to St. Michael's College High School in Toronto (Bathurst & St. Clair). Coming out of there with good values and a love for the game--- easy to see why he's such a great ref!
Wes McCauley is the greatest referee of any sport in North America! He should be inducted into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame! Loves for dramatics and it's great for the fans and teams!
Petition to have him in the hall of fame.
he'll be in no doubt! 1st ballot!
Hell I'd sign that.
He better be there
Three years after he retires he will be eligible
Hell yeah
I forgot he wears normal clothes. Always imagined him in his work clothes every moment of every day
Quackby I was shook just seeing him without a helmet, I didn’t recognize him in the first minute of the video!
@@jamieboquist9281 Helmets are a funny thing, aren't they. I play against guys during a game and then bump into them in the parking lot and don't even recognize them.
Me to lol
Wes' father must be looking down at his boys with such pride.
Best referee in the NHL right now
More like "popular"
@@jjferary2381 He's popular because he's the best. Fair and hard, but also funny at times and someone who enjoy the game every second. Who doesn't love that?
Can't wait to say to my kids that I watched him ref.
totally agree. He's awesome!
FuckingHateTwilight you’re for sure on the spectrum
The one person who downvoted this must've been booted from his beer league game
Wes probably booted him out for FIGHTING!
BEST. COMMENT. EVER.
ah yes, a fellow redditor
Somebody didn't like his line changes.
Kevin Tressel
Probably that idiot kids coach who got fired for spitting on and fighting with the ref.
A pox on him and his kind.
Wes is such a likable guy. Fun fact: he was in the same draft class as Jaromir Jagr.
That is super interesting actually! Thanks
I think Gordie Howe was too? 😉😂
Jagr the rookie? That's impossible. Jagr just started tearing it up this year.
And pittsburgh passed on wes.... naaaah
Imagine doing a job where whatever you did people hated you for it (fans or players). That is exactly what the refs do for a living. No one ever appreciates the refs’ importance in the game, so I’m very thankful sportsnet decided to change that.
Sounds about white
@Kip Winnernothing racist. One of the best gigs in the world. I dont buy this hard stressful job nonsense. Basically skating around out there having fun with the players chit chatting.
The pros severely outweigh the cons.
Usman Barak put on the stripes and get out there then big guy, we’ll see how long ya last
Usman Barak lol classic moronic reply
@@ItsAlkey I mean obviously the guys out there are fit for the job I'm not denying that. But how much fan interaction do refs even have with fans in the first place? There's a barrier between fans sitting in the arena and the players and refs.
And fans hate on players too. Am I supposed to feel sorry for them lmao? Both parties rack in hundreds of thousands often millions doing what? Working out and playing a fuckn game they all love and most of them would do it for free.
Wow I didnt realize Wes had this much history with the game of Hockey. He truly is the greatest referee of our time.
He sure does have lots of history! So does his brother in law, look it up!
Being an Australian living in Canada I'm blown away with the respect people have for the game and how frickin tough you have to be to even keep up with how fast the puck moves..Was nice to see the same respect shown by the officials too...a thankless job at best of times, this was great! Canadians are awesome people...
Sorry to hear we're so great
Cheers!
Aw jeez, eh? Awful kind of ya there, man.
Can I buy ya a large double-double?
@@ThisHandleFeatureIsStupid Flat white? Ta mate
Or how tough you have to be to play Aussie rules football or rugby. You guys also have tough guy sports.
Wes's dad was one of my instructors at the Bruce Hood Refereeing School around 1975. I still remember him telling me while on the ice ... "try to anticipate more," as I was skating too much and not saving energy by anticipating where the play was heading next. John was a good guy.
How can you not like Wes McCauley? You can tell that he truly enjoys his job. He's also a good official who calls the games fairly. He also respects the players and in turn the players respect him, as well.
The man, the myth, the legend
He's one of the best in the league today lots of respect for him and his family
Agreed! The man is a Reffing King
You’re the best Wes. We’ll always appreciate you. Keep it up
The only ref I know by name ahaha such a good guy to if you watch any videos of him mic'd up he treats everybody with respect and loves the game
hearing how Wes talks to players inspires me every time I step on the ice !
@@HeyStripes he cares about everyone if someone's gonna get blind sided he warns the player so they don't get destroyed as bad he just does the little things to perfection, he cares about the players the coaches an the game! Your pops would be proud Wes
I also know François St-Laurent and definitely not for the same reasons I know Wes' name.
"After further review, WE HAVE A GOAL! WE HAVE A GOAL!"
what a legend
...the NHL should name an annual award after Wes for the best officiating.
Mr. McCauley, my father was an American Hockey league linesman. He played for Eddie Shore with the Springfield Indians. I Loved, going to the Eastern States Coliseum in West Springfield Massachusetts. I still cherish those memories today. Thank you for doing what you do.
I love hearing before the game that Wes will be refereeing it. You just know he is going to call it fare and square! Plus his comedy side is fun also. Yes referees are human to.
Check out his five for fighting clip from two weeks ago. San Jose vs. Detroit.
Wes is amazing, he respects the players and the players respect him. It's so perfect. He better be the Director of Officiating and into the Hall of Fame
SMA2343 he will be just like his father
Thank you for doing this piece on a referee. One of a few professions when you do a great job, no one is supposed to notice.
Most likeable ref across any sport. Awesome guy who just gets it
Wes is the best! Love that man hope he stays in the NHL as Long as possible!
I try to watch every game he refs to pick up tips!
@@HeyStripes Great guy to learn from. Good luck in your officiating career.
This man needs an hour long story. What a great, fair, and awesome ref. His passion for the game is unbelievable. Put this man in the Hall of Fame !
What a great referee. His dad obviously had a huge influence on him.
It’s not everyday that you find fans that like the officials, unless you are talking about Wes. We LOVE him.
Did not recognize him at first but damn he seems like a good and honest man
Respect to John and Wes McCauley 👏🏽
The hero we didn’t want but deserve
Pretty cool guy. That great mix of toughness and fairness.
So happy I got this notification. I've always wanted more info on Wes
me too... imagine the stories he could tell !
Wes McCauley is a National Treasure
Look people, there's enough of us; we CAN make this man commissioner
Don't think he would want it. But I could see him being head of officiating after he can't keep up on the ice.
Where can I get a McCauley uniform
Ebay. He played for the Las Vegas thunder. Our original team before vgk
I appreciate John and his son thank you gents for adding another reason to enjoying the great game of hockey.
Keep it up Wes love you buddy
Being from Georgetown this was a great piece. Proud to have been raised in that community. Proud to share the same hometown!
More NHL "Behind the Scenes" personalities/stories please!
Resign his number and put him in the Hall of Fame. He's a gem of a generation
I'm a new hockey fan and have been diving in and learning as much as I can. I see this gentleman all the time in the videos I watch here on UA-cam, and he seems like an absolute gem. It's a beautiful story to see him follow in his dad's footsteps.
Wes officiated the Blues/Stars game I was at 2 nights ago. Always a joy to hear him ref!
Love this guy great story!
Wes McCauley is the best referee in the NHL!
without a doubt
@@HeyStripes Only thing that Wes loves more than his line changes is his family.
We love you Wes. Keep up the great work!
The amount of understanding Wes has is amazing and ultimate. Maximum respect to Wes. I see it was John who started this greatness. It looks like the McCauley's weren't able to keep Koharski away from the donuts though.
What a legend, thanks Wes!
Give us an hour for this guy. Love you, Canada. Cheers from Texas.
What an amazing man. We are lucky to have him. He will be in the Hall of Fame first ballet.
Gotta love him best nhl ref right now by far
I had no idea that the Mc Caully’s had so much history in the NHL. Kudos to him for following in his dad’s footsteps.
A real pleasure to watch this guy work the game. Its hard to imagine a ref adding so much to the dynamic but the players love it and the game is better for what he brings. Thanks Wes for making our game more interesting for all involved.
Such a great guy, in a profession where the best possible outcome is to go unnoticed.
Great representation of hockey, leadership, and humanity.
What a beauty!
Cool a ref gets that level of respect
agreed. I think he works tirelessly to always be improving and the players and coaches see that.
Kind of ironic that the sheriff who breaks up fights- goes down from a sucker punch. Those referees really earn their money. Kudos gentleman!
Wes McCauley is a *NATURAL*
Hockey maniac from South of the 49th here, this clip was beyond awesome and my only complaint is that it wasn't about 30 minutes longer. Simply a great look on and off the ice at one of the most respected guys in the game. You do a great job Wes, and you make it all very human, serious, but not so much that we can't see that the officials and players do have a bit of a relationship at times. When I reffed a little bit of amateur hockey years back (bantams & midget) I used to go to each bench right before every game and tell them to play their best and hardest, and do me a favor, help me keep my whistle in my pocket. The results were amazing...
Thank you so much for making this video. Big fan of Wes, he's an amazing guy.
Respect this Awesome Family.
Hands down one of the best to ever do it. Makes the calls fun and always seems to make clean calls .
Hands down. Wes is #1 all time. Followed closely by Mick and Kerry.
Love Wes and sorry to hear about his dad
This piece was great! Love the guy
Went to a game a few night ago that he called. Probably first time I was excited to hear the ref announced. If if you know Wes and his reputation, how can you not be excited to watch a game he refs. Respected by all, because he deserves it and has earned it. Player/coach/ref/fan - we can all learn from him. Hockey and living life right off the ice.
Wes is one my of my favourite people in the game; right now my absolute favourite!
everytime i go to the lightning games, im lookin for Wes lol. he always makes the games so much better with his flair lol.
How can anyone dislike this??
way too short. this deserves an hour documentary. more ice clips, more growing through the ranks, who are his other professional mentors, tips for people who are thinking about reffing, what life is really like day to day, travel schedule, what it's like on the road, so much more than just 5 min :-(
Love me some Wes McCauley - best announcement calls ever.
This was fascinating. I enjoy the game and watch when I can but don’t follow closely. I’ve watched Wes officiate countless games and have always seen fair calls and some of his trademark flare for calls which are always entertaining.
However, this video was fascinating because over that time I had a preconceived notion of who and how Wes would be off the ice in daily life. I could not have been more wrong, what an all around great guy! It’s intriguing how his on ice persona (loud, animated, super high energy), differs from his off ice persona (quiet, calm, understated, etc.
Thanks for making this!
Absolutely love this guy . 👍🏻💯🫡
Thanks for posting this. Wes McCauley is a gem, a fair minded & great referee.
A video featuring McCauley's 'greatest hits' (weird and amusing calls) would be cool.
He is consistent and appears to be respected by players and coaches 👍👍
Best ref around... Love watching the games he's officiating.
This guys just a loving character. Easily the best ref in the league
I will get mad at every single referee out there making a call... but I have so much respect for Wes that any time he makes a call I just shut up and agree with him!
Brave man, talented man, we need guys like him!
Wes went to St. Michael's College High School in Toronto (Bathurst & St. Clair). Coming out of there with good values and a love for the game--- easy to see why he's such a great ref!
This is what we all needed!
This guy is such a legend
This was awesome
Great story. Thank you
i had never seen him without a helmet and stripes on till now. he also sounds really different when he’s not yelling on the ice.
That is why Wes is the BEST of the BEST when it comes to NHL Officials!
Thank you Wes, you make hockey games that much better!
Whenever I watch a game, the first thing I do is look to see if #4 is refereeing, love Wes!!
The very best! Love him having the mic on!
The best ref. No question. What an awesome guy!
Wes is a national treasure. :D
I love Wes!
What a legend
We need an entire show about this legend.
I love him so much only ref I appreciate
Hes a beauty
Wes McCauley is the greatest referee of any sport in North America! He should be inducted into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame! Loves for dramatics and it's great for the fans and teams!
Great segment here!
Such a great ref.
Love Wes
What an inspiring story. I wanna be a hockey referee and he inspires me to do that.
Best! Referee in the NHL Hands! Down!. Future Hall of Famer. I've also heard that teams request him to Officiate their games.
You know watching a hockey game on Hockey Night in Canada and you seen Wes on the ice. You know you’re gonna have a good game
He’s a great and good ref and he’s amazing raf