Flames' Wideman speaks out for 1st time since suspension

Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman spoke to the media Thursday for the first time since being suspended 20 games for hitting linesman Don Henderson.

Wideman made a formal two-minute statement, apologizing to Henderson immediately.

"Firstly, I want to apologize to Don Henderson," Wideman said. "I feel awful about what happened. Hopefully he's recovering and is going to be back on the ice soon. I feel bad about the whole situation. The last seven days have been tough.

"Never in my career have I ever disrespected or done anything like this to an official. I think I've prided myself on having a great working relationship with the official and I hope to continue that when I get out there."

The 32-year-old also expressed his disappointment with the length of the supplemental discipline.

"I'm really disappointed with the decision and the length of the suspension," he said. "I did not have any intent at any time to hit the official or hurt him or anything like that. I would never do something like that and I'm pretty disappointed with the decision."

The NHL Players Association filed an appeal of the suspension on his behalf Wednesday, noting they "strongly disagree" with the decision to suspend him. Wideman said he won't comment again until after the appeal process.

He served the first game of his suspension when the Flames defeated the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday.