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Referee Auger announces retirement

Minnesota Wild v Dallas Stars

DALLAS - JANUARY 7: Referee Stephane Auger looks on during the Dallas Stars game against the Minnesota Wild on January 7, 2008 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Ronald Martinez

NHL referee Stephane Auger has retired in order to spend more time with his family, the league announced today.

“After 13 exciting years as an official for the National Hockey League, I have made the difficult decision to retire from this position in order to take a more active role in the growth of my three young children,” said Auger in a statement. “Time away from home during their adolescent years has become more and more difficult each season. Being closer to home will enable me to help my wife, Josée, and allow me to be a more present dad.”

Auger was no stranger to controversy during his NHL career. There was that thing with Alex Burrows. And that thing with Shane Doan. Islanders coach Jack Capuano wasn’t a fan.

Auger retires having reffed 739 regular-season games and 10 playoff contests. (Fun fact: the NHL chooses what it considers the best refs to work the playoffs.)