The Ontario Hockey League released a statement on Friday announcing an incorrect ruling had been made on a potential game-winning goal in overtime of a matchup between the Flint Firebirds and the Saginaw Spirit on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Saginaw appeared to score with less than one second remaining on the clock in overtime but initial video review determined the puck crossed the line after time had expired.
A post-game assessment from the league’s hockey operations department determined that a clock synchronization issue with the new video review system caused officials to make an incorrect call during their process.
“It has been confirmed that a puck completely crossed the goal line with 0.3 seconds remaining in overtime,” the statement said. “The play should have resulted in a goal for the Saginaw Spirit.â€
Flint survived the replay and went on to win the contest 4-3 after forward Alex Kostov scored to end the night in the fifth round of the shootout.
“The OHL acknowledges the impact of this situation on the outcome of the game. The League remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of officiating integrity and transparency as it works to strengthen its video review system.â€
According to the statement, the league’s rulebook does not include a provision to overturn the result of a game “under these circumstances.”
The Firebirds (5-3-1-0) are third in the West Division, while the Saginaw (2-4-3-2) sits at the bottom.
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