Detroit became the unexpected stage for a truly rare moment in NHL history this week, as executives, head coaches, and referees gathered behind closed doors for a meeting that immediately set tongues wagging across the hockey world.

At the heart of this unprecedented event stood Martin St-Louis, the Montreal Canadiens’ head coach, whose involvement has sparked a wave of speculation and intrigue.

With recent controversies surrounding officiating—especially those that have plagued the playoffs and lingered for years—the league’s decision to bring together coaches and referees in a live, unscripted Q&A session was nothing short of extraordinary.

Journalists on site described the atmosphere as tense, candid, and unlike anything they’d ever witnessed. St-Louis, known for his passionate postgame comments and his refusal to criticize officials publicly, finally had the chance to address his questions directly to the referees, possibly confronting issues that have simmered since that memorable night in New York.

But what really happened behind the scenes? What questions did St-Louis ask, and how did the referees respond?

The details remain tantalizingly out of reach, leaving fans eager for footage and answers. This rare meeting could reshape the relationship between coaches and officials—and everyone is waiting to see what comes next.

Photo of Martin St-Louis

Photo credit: NHL

On the sidelines of the National Hockey League executives’ meeting, taking place live from Detroit, we were indeed treated to a unique and very rare scene.

Martin St-Louis took part!

Following the controversies of recent months related to officiating (notably in the playoffs), and I’d even go so far as to say “following the controversies of recent years,” the National Hockey League called an unexpected meeting involving NHL head coaches as well as certain referees from the league.

According to several journalists present on site, this was unprecedented!

Martin St-Louis was notably able to ask all his questions and clarify certain things with the officials.

“Unique part of the meeting here in Detroit today: NHL head coaches had a Q and A session with some NHL refs in front of the whole group.”

Pierre LeBrun

We are really looking forward to seeing the footage!

An unusual scene involving Martin St-Louis and some NHL referees

That must have been really interesting to see in Detroit!

Of course, we recall the famous scene following a game against the New York Rangers in November.

In his postgame press conference, St-Louis then mentioned and repeated:

“I loved our game.

But I won’t talk about the referees”

– Martin St-Louis

I think he repeated it 5 times in a row!

A memorable scene from this 2024-2025 season of the Montreal Canadiens:

During the game in New York, this in particular happened (among so many other frustrating things for the Habs).

I wonder if those are things that were addressed during this famous live scene in Detroit.