The NHL decided to suspend Dennis Wideman for 20 games, following his blatant hit on linesman Don Henderson last week. While the hit looked intentional, there is no way to know for sure, but we do know for certain that Henderson was in a lot of pain after the incident. A hit Wideman took just moments earlier may also have contributed to his conduct, causing him to be woozy. Due to his clean past record, the NHLPA has come out backing the 32-year-old.
"We strongly disagree with the League's decision to suspend Dennis Wideman. Dennis has played in 11 NHL seasons and almost 800 games without incident. The facts, including the medical evidence presented at the hearing, clearly demonstrate that Dennis had no intention to make contact with the linesman. An appeal has been filed on the player's behalf," according to the NHLPA website.
Calgary Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke, also backed Wideman, while also showing respect for the officials.
"We disagree with the severity of today's suspension ruling and maintain that Dennis' collision with the linesman was unintentional and accidental. We agree that our officials' safety and well-being is of extreme importance in order to allow them to perform their duties," according to the NHL.
Wideman was diagnosed with a concussion after the game, and his camp was hoping this would help his appeal, as he could have been playing out of character. The NHL though, while acknowledging the concussion, is still upholding the decision for suspension.
Key here is NHL acknowledges that Wideman was diagnosed with a concussion, but still deems him responsible. https://t.co/Pqp837AwKc
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 4, 2016
The NHL's explanation can be viewed here. Wideman has 19 points and 2 goals in 48 games this season.
