NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has upheld the 20-game suspension assessed to Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman for cross-checking linesman Don Henderson, the league announced Wednesday.
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The NHLPA announced it'll appeal the ruling to a neutral arbitrator, which is a first under the most recent CBA.
"We are extremely disappointed but not surprised that Gary Bettman upheld the decision of his staff to suspend Dennis Wideman for 20 games," the statement from the players' association reads. "This 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."
Wideman hit Henderson into the boards from behind while skating to the bench during a contest against the Nashville Predators on Jan. 27. Henderson was subsequently sent to hospital for precautionary reasons.
Linesman Don Henderson, injured in the Wideman case, hasn't worked a game since the incident. Continuing to follow concussion protocol.
β Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 18, 2016
The 32-year-old Wideman met with Bettman at a hearing in New York on Feb. 10 to appeal the suspension, which was assessed by the NHL's Department of Player Safety on Feb. 3.
He'll serve the eighth game of the suspension Wednesday when the Flames take on the Minnesota Wild, and will be eligible to return on March 14 versus the St. Louis Blues.
Wideman will forfeit $564,516.20, which will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
