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.
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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.
Wideman banged his stick on the ice, then knocked down Henderson in front of the Predators bench.
Wideman said he was in pain and was just trying to get off the ice, adding that he couldn’t avoid Henderson.
The length of the suspension includes seven games already served, making Wideman eligible to return to the Flames lineup on March 14.
Wideman will forfeit US$564,516 to the players’ emergency assistance fund.