Dennis Wideman’s appeal hearing is set to take place Wednesday in New York City, as the Calgary Flames defenceman attempts to get his 20-game suspension reduced.
Wideman was handed a 20-game ban for knocking linesman Don Henderson to the ice in a Jan. 27 game against the Nashville Predators.
According to Sportsnet’s Damien Cox, anybody involved in the appeal hearing can introduce new evidence that wasn’t presented at last week’s hearing.
Cox also reports that the NHLPA is expected to bring in a concussion expert to rebut some of the things said in the suspension video the NHL released. Wideman, who was not diagnosed with a concussion, took a hit from Predators forward Miikka Salomaki seconds before making his way to the Calgary bench.
The NHLPA released the following statement when the suspension was announced.
“We strongly disagree with the League’s decision to suspend Dennis Wideman. Dennis has played in 11 NHL seasons and almost 800 games without incident. The facts, including the medical evidence presented at the hearing, clearly demonstrate that Dennis had no intention to make contact with the linesman.”
Henderson is still injured – it is believed it could be a concussion – and isn’t expected back anytime soon, which could be a factor in whether or not the suspension is reduced.
The appeal will be heard by Gary Bettman. The NHL commissioner has reduced appealed suspensions in the past.
