San Jose Sharks coach David Quinn ejected for abuse of officials against Washington
(Photo Credit: NBC California)

It’s safe to say David Quinn didn’t agree with this penalty call.

San Jose Sharks coach David Quinn was ejected from Saturday’s game against the Washington Capitals for screaming obscenities at referee Gord Dwyer. Quinn was upset about a penalty called on San Jose forward Kevin Labanc, and he didn’t hold back from voicing his displeasure.

The ejection occurred during the third period of Saturday’s game at SAP Center. After Labanc got called for tripping, Quinn started screaming swear words at the referee from the bench. Quinn was promptly ejected from the game and walked down the tunnel to the locker room with his team down 4-2.

Referee Gord Dwyer officially assessed Quinn a game misconduct for “abuse of officials”. Dwyer wasn’t having any of Quinn’s complaining, as it only took a few choice words to prompt the ejection.

Here’s a clip of Quinn losing his mind on the officials, courtesy of NBC California. Try and count the f-bombs in the video below…

Video:

Quinn addressed his ejection in his post-game interview, telling San Jose media, “I’m embarrassed. You shouldn’t act like that as a coach.” The 56-year-old coach reportedly apologized to his team for his behavior in the dressing room.

It’s an emotional game,” Quinn added. “These refs work hard, they do a good job, and it’s something that should never happen.” Quinn also noted he should’ve been more aware that there was just one ref working at the time.

It’s been a rough season for the Sharks, who occupy second-last in the Western Conference standings with 48 points in 63 games. San Jose is clearly planning for the future as they traded away leading goalscorer Timo Meier to the New Jersey Devils at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline.

Although it hasn’t been a good season for the Sharks, there’s never an excuse for speaking inappropriately to an official. According to reports, the NHL is investigating what exactly Quinn said to Dwyer to determine if the coach will receive supplemental discipline.

Quinn is the first NHL coach to be ejected from a game since Tampa Bay Lightning bench boss Jon Cooper got the boot last season. Much like Quinn on Saturday, Cooper also disagreed with a call and received an “abuse of officials” game misconduct.

Quinn is in his first year as head coach of the Sharks after spending three seasons as the bench boss for the Rangers. The veteran coach will look to put this ejection behind him when the Sharks are back in action Monday against the Winnipeg Jets.