Referees announced for Game 1 between Vancouver and Nashville

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Cooper Godin
April 21, 2024 (1:34 PM)

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Vancouver is set to open up their first playoff series in four years later today as they host the Nashville Predators at Rogers Arena and hours before puck drop, the referees for Game 1 were announced.

According to Joey Kenward of Sportsnet 650, tonight's referees will be Steve Kozari and Kyle Rehman. This will be Steve Kozari's first game since being taken off on a stretcher after colliding with Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Haydn Fleury, who is still injured.

Kozari, a native of Penticton, British Columbia, has a ton of experience, especially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, refereeing 136 post-season games, as well as four Stanley Cup Finals.

"Media notes for #Canucks & #Preds Game #1 tonight show referee Steve Kozari is set to work alongside Kyle Rehman. Kozari was seriously injured at beginning of Apr. in collision during PIT vs TBL game. In his #NHL career, Kozari has worked 136 playoff games & 4 #StanleyCup Finals." Kenward said.

It's going to be a big night at Rogers Arena as it's the first time in nine years that the Vancouver Canucks are playing a Stanley Cup Playoff game on home ice. There's no doubt there will be nerves, but once they settle in, it's going to be a great fight between two strong teams.

Puck drop for Game 1 tonight at Rogers Arena between the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators is set for 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and CBC.