Koharski refs his last game

For the final time in his storied officiating career, referee Don Koharski took to the ice to call an NHL game.

After 32 years and more than 2,000 combined NHL regular-season and playoff games, plus the historic 1987 Canada Cup series between Canada and Russia, Koharski called his last game Thursday. He will take an upper-management position with the league, helping recruit and develop referees.

After years of traveling across North America for up to 10 months a year, Koharski said he knew it was time for a change.

"I've always been a coach at heart and this is an opportunity to help make a difference off the ice," said Koharski, 53.

Asked what advice he offers some of the younger officials, Koharski quickly noted: "Have a short memory, a good sense of humor and thick skin ... but also make sure you have the work ethic. You see coaches asking their players to give 110 percent, so you want to make sure you are giving the same effort."

Koharski, a Dade City resident for the past five years, said through the years he has endured the likes of fans throwing batteries and beers toward him as he came off the ice. But the most memorable moment came during a playoff series between New Jersey and Boston in 1988 when Devils coach Jim Schoenfeld angrily confronted Koharski following the game, repeatedly yelling for Koharski to "have another donut."

The incident resulted in a strike by the NHL officials for the next game after an injunction allowed Schoenfeld to coach it. Koharski said he holds no grudge against Schoenfeld, instead viewing the positives that resulted, such as increased security in arenas and his improved health.

Koharski took to the ice Thursday wearing his familiar No. 12 jersey. The rest of the officiating crew - hand-picked by Koharski for his final game - of Wes McCauley and linesmen Mark Pare and Jean Morin also wore No. 12 on their jerseys.

NIFTY FIFTY: Tampa Bay hit the 50-man mark on Thursday, dressing the 50th different player for a game this season and the 22nd defenseman when Geoff Kinrade was brought up from AHL Norfolk. He signed an amateur tryout agreement, which is good for a one-game audition.

Kinrade, 23, recently finished a four-year career with Michigan Tech before signing a tryout agreement with Norfolk, where he had one goal and three assists in eight games.

The Lightning franchise record for players used in a season is 53, set in 1999-2000. The league record is 55, by Boston in 1991-92.

NUTS AND BOLTS: D Matt Lashoff (lower body) was scratched. ... D Kevin Quick was recalled from Norfolk. ... Tampa Bay finished the season 12-18-11 at home, their fewest home wins since 1998-99.

Erik Erlendsson