Tim Peel was one of the most well-known referees in the NHL during his career. In 2019, Peel suffered a fractured ankle after a collision with then–Chicago Blackhawks star Jonathan Toews. Now, he’s revealed what Toews did afterward.
Referees and hockey players aren’t exactly famous for having friendly relationships. Clips of mic’d-up conversations between players and officials often go viral thanks to the constant stream of profanity exchanged on the ice. But every once in a while, someone surprises everyone by doing something genuinely kind.
Broke his ankle
Back in 2019, during a game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks, then–Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews accidentally collided with veteran referee Tim Peel. Peel broke his ankle in the incident, forcing him to miss significant time and rehab instead of officiating. He initially saw it as nothing more than an unfortunate accident — until, one day after the season had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he received an unexpected package.
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Jonathan Toews didn’t speak to him
Speaking on the Ice Guardians podcast, hosted by Brett Hull and Kelly Chase, Peel shared the story:
“My last game was in Detroit, and Chicago was in town. Everyone’s coming out — Kane, Larkin, Keith, Seabrook — saying, ‘Hey Peelsy, nice to see you back.’ Toews doesn’t come near me, and he’s the guy who broke my leg! I go home to my wife and say, ‘It’s the weirdest thing,’” Peel recalled.
Got a huge box delivered
Two months later, after the NHL officially cancelled the remainder of the season, Peel got a call from a Blackhawks PR representative asking for his address.
“About a month later, a big box shows up at the house,” Peel said. “Remember Valeri Bure? He has Bure Wines now in California. I open the box — there’s a beautiful Blackhawks jersey signed by Toews, three bottles of Valeri Bure wine, and, most importantly, a really nice letter that I’ve kept.”
”F*** you contest”
The letter read:
“Hey, sorry I broke your leg and made you miss the All-Star Game. I know I was very difficult to ref, but I just wanted you to know I have the utmost respect for you.”
Peel later sent a photo of the gifts to then–Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, who replied:
“I’m not surprised. That’s what he’s like.”
Reflecting on the gesture, Peel said:
“It’s funny — he and I had a lot of ‘f*** you’ contests on the ice, I mean a lot. But there’s that respect between us.”
A classy move from Jonathan Toews!
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