Referees are paid to interfere, to stop the game and call fouls when necessary, to give yellow cards when fouls are dangerous and intentional, to throw players and coaches out when they are out of control. On Sunday, the Hartford coach could have easily been carded in the any one of the periods. He didn't get a yellow card until the end of the second overtime period. A few weeks back, a Boston University player could have been ejected from the game when he spit at the UNH bench. The referee said he saw the spit, but didn't see who spit.
Hockey is another prime example of how non-calls can affect the game.
Often calls that should be made aren't, leading to goals or non-goals. Also, the game can quickly become hostile, as tempers flare, play becomes more violent and no calls are made. That's what you're there for. If a player from one team takes down an opposing player in front of the net, call him or her on it. If a player or coach should be thrown out, throw him or her out.