The only time referees aren't out on the ice during professional hockey games is during the pre-game skate or warmup.
The officials first come out onto the ice just before the players do ahead of the first period. During warmups, though, there are no officials out on the ice to break up any fights if they do happen.
Fights during warmups are extremely rare to say the least, but ahead of Game 2 of the ECHL playoff series between the Komets and Eagles, a fight broke out during warmups.
On Monday, suspensions were handed down for the brawl and in all, four players (two on each team) were suspended.
Kravchenko and Verpaelst sat out the first game of their five-game suspensions as they weren't allowed to play Game 2 of the series after fighting.
With the series even at 1-1, both players could return for Game 7 if the Western Conference finals goes the distance.
(H/T: Justin A. Cohn)
