Close calls make it a close loss for Grizzlies

WEST VALLEY CITY — Questionable calls by referees are as much a part of sports as overpriced hot dogs and popcorn.

That's why the Utah Grizzlies don't feel quite so bad about losing a 4-3 overtime game to the Chicago Wolves Saturday.

"We should've won that hockey game," said Utah goalie Corey Hirsch. "The bottom line is we won that hockey game. But sometimes in the minors, a couple blown calls can cost you a hockey game."

The definitive bottom line is, the Grizzlies had plenty of chances to make up for what they believe were unjust calls — and didn't.

With the game tied at 2-2, and the Grizzlies enjoying a power play, Chicago's Derek MacKenzie stole the puck and slipped through Utah's defense. His short-handed shot trickled between the legs of Hirsch and seemed destined for the net. Just as it appeared to cross the goal line, Utah's Greg Hawgood reached his stick in to clear it away.

"It wasn't close at all, no part of the puck was even touching the goal line," said Hawgood. The entire puck has to cross the entire goal line in hockey.

Despite standing near the blue line, which is 60 feet from the goal, referee Brian Pochmara ruled it a goal.

"It's pretty tough when he's that far back to make the call," said Hawgood. "I don't know what the guy is sitting in that little (goal judge) box for, I thought they used to have a job. Referees are going to make calls and make mistakes, but if you're that far back, you have to be 100 percent the puck is in."

As Hawgood stormed after the ref to plead his case, Hirsch turned around and looked at the goal judge, who shook his head. When Hirsch pleaded with the referee to consult with the goal judge, to no avail, Hirsch went ballistic.

"I'm sure if we send the tape in he'd be fined," said Hirsch. "You cannot blow a call like that. You're talking about a goal. You can makes mistakes on penalties or discretionary calls, but basically you are giving the other team a goal."

As if falling behind 3-2 wasn't frustrating enough, the Grizzlies felt doubly picked on because the same ref had negated an apparent goal by Utah's David Oliver in the first period.

"We had the first goal that we thought was in denied," said Utah coach Don Hay. "Then the shorthanded goal that we thought wasn't in was allowed."