Flames’ Dennis Wideman suspended for 20 games for hitting ref

The NHL has suspended Dennis Wideman for 20 games after he checked a ref from behind during a game 

The NHL has announced that they have suspended Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman for 20 games after he checked a referee from behind while returning to his bench during an NHL game. He will begin serving his suspension immediately.

The league had to bring down the gavel hard on Wideman regardless of his intent or his state of mind at the time. They had to do so in order to protect their officials and remind players that they can’t hit officials no matter what. Wideman was returning to the bench after getting hit into the boards very hard with his head hitting the glass hard. It’s quite likely that he was disoriented and didn’t know that he was hitting a referee.

The Flames have prepared for Dennis Wideman’s suspension by calling up Jakub Nakladal from the American Hockey League to take his roster spot. Replacing Wideman will be difficult for the Flames. Wideman has two goals and 17 assists for 19 points this season while averaging 21 minutes of ice time per game. The Calgary Flames will likely turn to Kris Russell to help replace him as well as Dougie Hamilton.

Kris Russell will be a free agent after this season so he might be traded. Look for Nakladal to replace Russell if he’s traded. Wideman is not expected to appeal this suspension, which is justified when one compares it to other suspensions for hitting referees.