Zebra Squad! NHL Ref's Fam Rocks Stripes at Debut Game

The Debut Dressed in Stripes

When NHL newbie referee Stephen Hiff took to the ice, he wasn't alone in sporting stripes! A whole herd of Hiff supporters hit the stands at Climate Pledge Arena, looking sharp in black-and-white ref jerseys, complete with those iconic orange elbow bands. As Hiff officiated his first pro game between the San Jose Sharks and the Seattle Kraken, his nearly two dozen family members made their presence known, their jerseys shining like a badge of pride.

"It was like they brought a slice of the Toronto-area, where Hiff hails from, right to the rink," the broadcast gushed.

Even though you won't find Hiff's #46 striped style in any merch store, his family's show of solidarity sure score points for passion!

Family First, In Stripes or Not

Televised for all to see, the Hiff clan occupied two full rows, cheering on their #1 ref in their hearts. It didn't matter if he called the shots right or dropped the puck wrong; they were there for Stephen, blood thicker than ice.

While the NHL's newest zebra didn't get his own fan gear rolling out anytime soon, he definitely ruled the rink with a support squad that any referee would envy.