Cagary Flames' Dennis Wideman suspended 20 games for hitting official

Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman was suspended for 20 games by the NHL on Wednesday for hitting linesman Don Henderson.

The incident happened during a game against the Nashville Predators on January 27. During the second period Predators forward Mikka Salomaki hit Wideman into the boards. Wideman headed to the bench after the hit and knocked over Henderson who was standing by the boards next to the bench, according to USA Today. Henderson fell to the ice after the hit but stayed in the game. Wideman was not penalized for the hit, but was suspended indefinitely pending a hearing which happened on Tuesday. He will lose $564,516.20 in salary as a result of the suspension.

"At the last second, I looked up and saw [Henderson] and couldn't avoid it. I went up to Donnie and apologized to him on the ice," Wideman said after the game where the incident occurred.  "I didn't see him. I didn't know where to go and how to get out of the way. I've been around for a few years, and I think I've treated every official with the utmost respect, and I would never intentionally try to hit a linesman or a ref. It was completely unintentional, and I already apologized to him."

Wideman is in his fourth season with the Flames. He has two goals and 19 points this season, according to ESPN. He has 30 minutes in penalties which is second most on the team.

Wideman will most likely appeal the suspension. He is the 12^th NHL player to be suspended for hitting an official in the last 15 years, with only Gordie Dwyer’s 23 game suspension in 2000 longer than Wideman’s, TSN notes. Wideman will be eligible to return on March 14.