In a major development shaking the integrity of professional hockey, the National Hockey League (NHL) has terminated veteran referee Trevor Hanson following an internal investigation that uncovered his connection to a sports betting account linked to a professional poker player. Hanson recently officiated the high-stakes playoff game between the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers, raising questions about the impartiality and integrity of game officiating.
The NHL confirmed that Hanson was found to have shared access to a sports betting account used to place wagers on NHL games, a direct violation of league rules. The account, reportedly operated in conjunction with a known professional poker player, had been actively placing bets on hockey matchups, including games officiated by Hanson himself.
The league released a statement early Wednesday morning:
“The NHL holds its officials to the highest standard of integrity and impartiality. Upon confirming Mr. Hanson’s involvement with a betting account tied to NHL wagers, we took immediate and decisive action to uphold the credibility of our sport. Trevor Hanson has been relieved of his duties effective immediately.”
The revelation is sending shockwaves throughout the hockey community as the league grapples with growing concerns surrounding gambling’s influence on professional sports. As legalized sports betting continues to expand across North America, sports leagues are under increasing scrutiny to ensure there are no conflicts of interest among players, coaches, and officials.
While the NHL has not yet disclosed whether any specific games were compromised, the situation raises serious concerns about potential manipulation or bias in recent matchups. The Kings vs. Oilers game, in particular, is now under review.
This scandal marks one of the most serious integrity breaches in recent NHL history and could prompt tighter regulations and increased monitoring of officials’ associations outside the league. Further disciplinary actions or legal proceedings may follow as the investigation continues.
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