Bettman upholds Wideman’s 20-game suspension; NHLPA appeals

By Staff The Canadian Press

Posted February 17, 2016 6:40 pm

Updated February 18, 2016 9:27 pm

2 min read

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Click to play video: 'NHLPA appealing Wideman’s suspension'

2:28 NHLPA appealing Wideman’s suspension

WATCH: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has upheld the full 20 game suspension handed to Calgary Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman, who knocked down a linesman from behind. But it's not the final word. As Eric Sorensen reports, for the first time, the NHL Players' Association is appealing the suspension to a neutral arbitrator – Feb 18, 2016

NEW YORK – NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has upheld the 20-game suspension handed to Calgary Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman for knocking down an official.

Bettman’s decision on Wideman’s appeal comes two weeks after the league initially suspended Wideman for shoving his stick into linesman Don Henderson’s back as he skated to the Flames bench.

Later Wednesday, the National Hockey League Players’ Association announced it would appeal that decision.

“We are extremely disappointed but not surprised that Gary Bettman upheld the decision of his staff to suspend Dennis Wideman for 20 games,” the NHLPA statement read.

“The decision completely ignores the effects of the concussion that Dennis sustained when he was driven into the boards eight seconds before colliding with the linesman.

“We will appeal to the Neutral Discipline Arbitrator in order to have this decision overturned,” the NHLPA said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We will appeal to the Neutral Discipline Arbitrator in order to have this decision overturned," the NHLPA said.

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WATCH: NHL Commisioner Gary Bettman has upheld Calgary Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman’s 20-game suspension for abuse of an official. While the team has announced goaltender Karri Ramo is done for the season. Kevin Smith reports.

Click to play video: 'Gary Bettman upholds Dennis Wideman’s 20-game suspension, Karri Ramo done for season'

3:09 Gary Bettman upholds Dennis Wideman’s 20-game suspension, Karri Ramo done for season

During the second period of the Flames’ 2-1 loss to Nashville on Jan. 27, Wideman was checked hard into the boards by Predators winger Miikka Salomaki.

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Wideman banged his stick on the ice, then knocked down Henderson in front of the Predators bench.

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Wideman said he was in pain and was just trying to get off the ice, adding that he couldn’t avoid Henderson.

WATCH: Calgary Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman sent linesman Don Henderson to the ice when he checked him from behind during a game against the Nashville Predators.