Flames’ Defenseman Wideman Suspended 20 Games For Hit On Official

The NHL announced that Calgary Flames’ defenseman Dennis Wideman has been suspended for 20 games for cross-checking referee Don Henderson.

The hit occurred during a game between the Flames and Nashville Predators on Jan. 27.  Wideman was checked into the boards by Predators’ forward Miikka Salomaki.  There was no penalty called and after the hit, Wideman collected himself after a couple of seconds and then on his way to the bench appeared to deliberately check the linesman.

At the post game press conference Wideman said, “I was just trying to get off the ice. And, at the last second, I looked up and saw him, I couldn’t avoid it. I didn’t know where to go or how to get out of the way of him.”

The suspension will keep Wideman out until the Flames host the St. Louis Blues on March 14 and will cost him $564,516.13 in salary. Wideman has 2 goals and 17 assists on the year for Calgary (22-24-3).