Hockey referees in the SHL are often criticized and face hate, yet view their colleagues as family. A new article opens the doors to their world during an intense match evening.
Hockey referees in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) are frequently criticized and subjected to hate from spectators and players. Despite this, they form a close-knit community, viewing colleagues as family. A feature article in Dagens Nyheter takes readers behind the scenes during an intense SHL evening. The piece highlights the challenges referees face in their work, from jeers in the stands to the pressure of making decisions. Titled 'A match behind the closed doors of hockey referees,' it emphasizes the isolated yet intimate world they inhabit. Published on December 25, 2025, the report provides insight into their daily lives without detailing specific incidents or quotes from the source.
