The 2026 Stanley Cup Final is finally underway. Before the opening puck drop, referee Chris Rooney said a few words to the players on the ice. Now, fans are mocking him for what he said.
“Another cringe and poorly produced moment,” one fan wrote.
The Vegas Golden Knights rallied to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Vegas forward Tomas Hertl scored the game-winning goal in a 5–4 victory with just a few minutes remaining in the third period.
READ MORE: Rod Brind’Amour calls out his own players after Game 1 loss
Chris Rooney’s words
The Stanley Cup Final is always a major event—for the players, the fans, and the officials. Emotions run high as nine months of NHL hockey reach their peak.
As the opening puck drop of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final approached, referee Chris Rooney addressed the players on the ice as they lined up for the faceoff.
“Welcome to Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. I want to wish both teams good luck. Take a look around, boys. What’s better than this?” he was caught on mic saying.
Many might view it as a kind and respectful gesture. However, fans were far less impressed.
Mocked by fans
Rooney is a veteran official who has worked in the NHL since 2000, but many fans weren’t buying his message to the players and instead took to social media to mock him.
“NHL is tightrope walking on cringe,” one fan wrote on X.
“This is f*cking stupid and does not need to happen. Who are you even trying to appeal to here?” another fan wrote.
“This was just another cringe and poorly produced moment brought to us by the horrible broadcast,” a third fan chimed in.
You can watch the video below.
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