After thirty years as an official in the National Hockey League, legendary referee Kerry Fraser has decided to hang up his skates & whistle and enjoy the game from the other side of the boards. Never shy about offering his opinion, nor afraid to step in and separate an on-ice fight, the 5ft 7inch Fraser is arguably the most respected referee in the history of the game.Fraser began officiating in 1972 after recognizing that his size would limit his chances as a player. He was introduced to refereeing by former Detroit Red Wing coach and family friend Ted Garvin, who told him that the game needs more officials with actual playing experience. Fraser responded immediately with a welcomed understanding of the game, and over the course of the 2,165 NHL contests he oversaw,?has shown himself to be an unbiased,? courageous, and sometimes controversial judge.In The Final Call, Fraser uses the games he officiated in his farewell season to relive candid memories from various hockey cities and teams? such as the night he was pulled from the ice by the St. Louis police after a threat was made that if he skated out for the third period he would be shot. This wouldn’t be the first or last death threat he’d receive in his career. Fraser offers a colourful, behind-the-scenes portrait of Canada’s national game, recounting stories of pulling apart enraged 250lb men in on-ice battles, confrontations with some of the game’s greatest legends and exposes whiners, divers, and trash-talkers. Fraser also fully discusses, once and for all, “The Missed Call” on Wayne Gretzky in ’93 that still has Toronto fans talking.Fraser provides a highly entertaining, honest, and sometimes hard-hitting look at the game and its many faces and changes over his record-breaking career. Go to ice level and experience first-hand the interactions of your favourite players and coaches from the man you love to hate!Praise:“Kerry brought tremendous enthusiasm and energy every time he officiated. I was a younger player at the end of Kerry’s officiating career but it was very clear to see his passion for what he did and for wanting to be the best he could be every time he took the ice. He always took the time to explain things when it was needed and remained professional at some of the most intense moments. He was fair and accountable, which is all you could ask for from any official, and of course he never had a hair out of place.”?Sidney Crosby“I always felt Kerry understood the psychology of hockey, and was always aware of the intimidation factor that was being presented by the teams or certain players.?Kerry had the ability to maintain complete control of the game.?I really believe he wanted the players themselves to play the game the way it was meant to be played.?With courage, honour, and respect.”?Mark Messier“I always felt comfortable when Kerry Fraser was refereeing a game. He was in control of the situation and very communicative to the coaches. He made a very difficult job look easy because of his control and style.”?Scotty Bowman“A good referee makes the game better. Kerry Fraser was a great referee. He allowed the game to be played without prejudice. He retires with many admirers in the game, which is testimony to the high standard he held himself to!”?Bobby Clarke“I can’t think of anyone who, while making his living inside the game of hockey, did it with better intelligence and perspective.?Every time Kerry stepped on the ice to do his job?one of the hardest in sports?his analytical approach, his feel for the game, and his compassion for the players, set him apart.?He was notoriously well-groomed, of course, but even more well-respected.”?Glen Sather]]>
