Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman has been suspended indefinitely pending a hearing with the NHL for a checking a linesman in Wednesday’s game, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
On the play, Wideman was checked hard in the corner and began skating toward the bench. On the way there he caught linesman Don Henderson from behind and plowed him over.
On the play Wideman took a big hit and, according to Wideman, he was “keeled” over and had some pain in his neck and shoulder. When he looked up there was the Henderson.
“I went up to Donnie and apologized. I couldn’t see him and didn’t know where to go or how to get away from him,” Wideman said after the game.
Henderson was taken to the hospital with “neck pain and nausea.” He was discharged oat 5am Thursday.
Important to remember hear that “indefinite” does not indicate any sort of severity. It simply means that he’s suspended until the hearing. The league is reportedly targeting Tuesday after the All-Star break to have the hearing.
Nonetheless, according to the league’s abuse of officials rules, Wideman could face a minimum 10-game suspension. Whether or not it was accidental, the league will likely want to draw a hard line on any contact with the official that rides the line. But they won’t have to do that. Because Wideman wasn’t given a game misconduct, NHL Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell won’t be forced to give a mandatory 10-game suspension.
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