Different sports call it different things. In soccer, it’s VAR for video assistant referee. In rugby, it’s TMO for television match official. Even the tradition-bound MLB has it now with replay review. In hockey, it’s known as video review, and it’s coming to the sa国际传媒 Hockey League with the league governors approving its use effective immediately.
The Chilliwack Chiefs will be the first team to implement the Sporfie video review system beginning this weekend.
Currently, only goals will be eligible for review. The review will be done on an iPad at the scorekeeper’s box and will be initiated by the on-ice officials. It is expected other calls will become eligible for review in future seasons, pending governor approval, as the process evolves.
“We see this as another step towards modernizing our game and keeping pace with college and professional hockey,” Steven Cocker, BCHL deputy commissioner, said in a statement.
“Over the next few years, we anticipate the majority of our facilities will be able to implement video review.”
The Victoria Grizzlies say they will be installing the system at The Q Centre.
“We are already looking into it,” said coach and GM Craig Didmon.
He said it could be as soon as this season but didn’t have an exact timeline.
“It’s a great idea and will be really helpful,” said Didmon.
“You see some calls you wonder about but there was no way of knowing. It shows our league is improving every day.”
The Grizzlies (12-10) are in Surrey tonight to play the Eagles (11-9), in Langley on Saturday against the Coastal Conference-leading Rivermen (14-4-3) and back in Surrey on Sunday for a matinee.
The Eagles are on a three-game winning streak and are 7-3 in their last 10 games. Victoria is 4-6 in its last 10 with consistency being hard to come by this season.
“We feel prepared and ready to go. It’s a matter of sticking to the plan and battling on pucks and maintaining discipline,” said Didmon.
