Flames' Dennis Wideman suspended 20 games for hitting official
Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman has been suspended 20 games by the NHL for cross-checking a linesman.
The incident occurred Jan. 27 in a game against the Nashville Predators and began after forward Miikka Salomaki hit Wideman into the boards in the Flames' end during the second period. After taking a few seconds to gather himself, Wideman skated back to the bench and knocked over linesman Don Henderson, who was standing along the boards near the bench entrance. Henderson stayed in the game.
Wideman has appealed the suspension.
“The facts, including the medical evidence presented at the hearing, clearly demonstrate that Dennis had no intention to make contact with the linesman," the NHL Players' Association said in a statement.
NHL sends stern message with Dennis Wideman's 20-game suspension
Wideman was not penalized, but he was suspended indefinitely by the NHL after the game as the league reviewed the play. Wideman did not miss any games as the NHL All-Star break spanned this time.
“I was just trying to get off the ice. And, at the last second, I looked up and saw him," Wideman told reporters after the game. "I couldn’t avoid it. I didn’t know where to go or how to get out of the way of him."
The NHL said that Wideman has been diagnosed with a concussion, but that doesn't excuse his actions.
Wideman will be able to return March 14 when the Flames host the St. Louis Blues.
He will forfeit $564,516.13.
PHOTOS: 2015-16 season suspension tracker