Obscure NHL Rule Turns Players into Refs

Deep in the NHL rulebook sits Rule 31.11, a dusty gem that kicks in when officials vanish due to misadventure or worse, forcing coaches to hash out replacements or appoint players from each side to man the whistles. The home club's player grabs the ref jersey while the visitor handles linesman duties, ensuring the puck still drops no matter what chaos unfolds on game night.