Q: 23 years in the NHL...you saw many facets and faces of the NHL.
Hoggarth: Yes, I started in '71 when hockey moved South and into Atlanta; went through the "Broad Street Bullies"; saw mugging; experienced the amalgamation of the World Hockey League with the NHL, and on to the era of Gretzky and the challenge of big business in hockey. The biggest change was when the dollars became huge...the owners made big money and the players salaries skyrocketed. The players changed as a result. Money was important, and the player on the ice became selfish. In the early 90's I think players lost respect for one another and, in many cases, for the fans.
Q: You were the guy everyone loved to hate. How did you deal with that?
I was a players' referee. I tried to adapt the whole way. I believe I was a successful manager of the player. Players like Gretzky, Lemieux and Lindros knew me as "Hoggy". I don't think I was as cocky or as much of a disciplinarian and that's how I was able to succeed. A sense of humour also helped. I was able to defuse a dangerous situation with some humour.
Q: What was the most unpopular call that you made?
Well, the worst ever was in January 1991, on Super Bowl Sunday, in Washington. Mario Lemieux was thrown out of the game. Stevens and Jager were also thrown out of the game. I received death threats and there were articles in USA Today. I went back to Washington 2 months later and the fans booed me with the wave. I had to deal with it in a humorous way. But those players and I eventually kissed and made up when we were in Los Angeles for a game.
Q: What are your most cherished times in the NHL?
The highlights? Well, I think my days at the University of Alberta, when Wayne Gretzky beat Gordie Howe's record and when I reffed the Quebec Nordiques against the Red Army. During that game the players were pretty frustrated and I graciously turned my back on everything.
Q: Who would you look back on with great admiration?
I think Guy Lafleur. He was and is a great gentleman. I was in Hartford and asked him if he could meet my wife and 2 daughters. Well, Guy missed them, but then stopped the bus going down the street and ran out to say "hi". That's what the hockey world should be about.
Q: As a celebrity referee/play by play announcer/comedian on the Oldtimers' Hockey Challenge Tour, how have you adapted?
I think the players have accepted me and helped me out a lot. As a rookie on this tour, they have made me feel comfortable and there is co-operation and respect on both sides. I have developed a lot of mutual friendships on this tour which makes my job on the ice a lot easier.
Q: As a referee, how different is this tour (Oldtimers' Hockey Challenge) compared to the NHL?
I've really enjoyed being part of "the team" on this tour. In the NHL as a referee, I was by myself. I didn't associate with the players, ate by myself and travelled by myself. On this tour, there is a lot of interaction with the fans and with the players. And now, it's funny, I get recognized a lot. Also on this tour, I'm able to see not only the big cities, but the smaller cities in Canada, Alaska, and the Territories.
Q: Ron, you have a successful spa business in Barrie. How do you juggle this tour and your work?
I plan around this tour and look forward to getting back on the ice. The tour is a break from the intensity of the business.
Q: How have your many years in the NHL helped you in business?
Incredibly...I come from a small city (Barrie) and I have used my involvement in the NHL to market my business. Mind you, I have not exploited this opportunity but it has also been very helpful. Also, I learned a lot during all my travels from sitting on planes with CEO's, business men and doctors about the "business world". I guess you could say I learned to run a successful business on "the street".
