It's not easy being an official in any sport, but we imagine hockey is the hardest sport to officiate due to the fact that fights happen at all levels, not just in the NHL.
Sure, high school hockey players, for example, wear cages and the consequences for taking your helmet off and fighting or even fighting in general are much more severe, but sometimes that doesn't stop players from swinging.
Unfortunately for linesmen, when fights break out, they're usually the ones that have to break them up, separate the players and escort them to the penalty box.
It's definitely one of the more frustrating parts of being an official, and while it may not be right, it's not uncommon to see a linesman give a player an extra "push" to the box to get said player going in the right direction and not back into the direction of an opponent.
During a high school hockey game in Buffalo, this linesman gave a player a shove while escorting him to the box after what looked like a little skirmish broke out, but rather than going into the box, the player retaliated and rocked the linesmen.
The player was tossed from the game and we imagine a suspension will be headed that player's way as touching, let alone knocking over and official never ends well.
Obviously the player was frustrated about being shoved and whatever happened before hand, but in a situation like that you just have to go to the box and not make things worse.
(H/T: Deadspin)
