NHL Breaking News: The NHL suddenly fired four referees who officiated Game 6 between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers because they were involved in the biggest bribery scandal in NHL history. Full story 👇

In a shocking development that is sending shockwaves through the hockey world, the National Hockey League (NHL) has announced the immediate termination of four referees who officiated Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. The league confirmed that the decision was made following “credible evidence” linking the officials to what is now being described as the biggest bribery scandal in NHL history.

The announcement came just 48 hours after the Florida Panthers clinched their second consecutive Stanley Cup title, defeating the Oilers in a heated and controversial Game 6. Fans and analysts alike had already expressed frustration over what many viewed as inconsistent — and, at times, biased — officiating. Now, the league has confirmed that the concerns may have had deeper roots.

According to a joint investigation by the NHL Integrity Unit and an independent oversight committee, the four referees accepted undisclosed gifts and financial incentives in exchange for “game-impacting decisions”. While the identities of the whistleblowers remain confidential, the evidence was reportedly “overwhelming.”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a brief but firm statement:

“The National Hockey League holds itself to the highest standard of integrity and fairness. What has occurred is unacceptable and a direct violation of the values that govern our game. Effective immediately, the four officials in question are terminated and will be permanently banned from any future NHL involvement.”

The names of the dismissed referees have been confirmed as:

Mark Renner

Blake Callahan

Tony Mercier

Lukas Harrington

All four were on the ice during the controversial Game 6, which included multiple questionable no-calls, including a missed interference against Connor McDavid, a waved-off goal under unclear reasoning, and a late-game tripping penalty that gave the Panthers the final power play advantage.

Hockey fans were quick to react online, with #NHLScandal and #JusticeForOilers trending worldwide. Edmonton Oilers fans, in particular, erupted with both fury and validation, having long felt that Game 6 had been officiated unfairly.

One fan wrote on X:

“We weren’t just beaten — we were robbed. And now we know why.”

Players have remained largely silent, though anonymous sources within the Oilers organization say some had raised concerns privately after the game. Head coach Kris Knoblauch, who recently announced his resignation, was reportedly “furious” upon learning of the scandal.

Insiders suggest this may only be the beginning, with additional league officials potentially facing scrutiny and the possibility of federal investigation looming, especially if financial transactions can be tied to external betting organizations or private interests.

As for the Stanley Cup Final result, Commissioner Bettman made it clear that the league will not reverse the outcome, stating that “despite the shameful actions of certain individuals, the game itself was played by two teams who gave everything on the ice.”

Still, the damage has been done. Trust has been shattered. Fans and players are now questioning how deep this scandal may go — and what it means for the integrity of the sport moving forward.

The NHL promises a full public report within the coming weeks. Until then, one thing is certain: Game 6 will forever be remembered not just for its outcome, but for the scandal that overshadowed it.