Dennis Wideman 'disappointed' by 20-game suspension for hitting linesman

Calgary Flames defenceman Dennis Widemansays he's disappointed by the NHL's decision to slap him with a20-game suspension for his bizarre hit onlinesman Don Henderson.

"I did not have any intent at any time to hit the official or hurt him," Widemantold reporters in Calgary Thursday."I would never do anything like that."

The 32-year-old NHL veteran offered no specific explanation about the hit, which baffled hockey fans and pundits alike.

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Wideman, himself,had just been hit hard into the boards by Miikka Salomakiof theNashville Predators during a game at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Jan. 27and was making his way to the bench in obvious distress.

When he encountered Henderson on the ice as he neared the bench,Wideman appeared to cross-checkthe official from behind before nonchalantly making his way to sit with his teammates, appearing still stunned.

No penalty was called on the play.

Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman hits linesman

9 years ago

Duration 1:22

Linesman Don Henderson would stay in the game.

"I feel really bad about the whole situation," Widemansaid Thursday.

"I pride myself on having a great working relationship with the officials and I hope to continue that."

Wideman, who will forfeit $564,516 US insalary for the 20 games he will miss, said he is appealing the NHL'sdecision.

"Again, I just want to apologize to Donny (Henderson)," he said."Ifeel awful about what happened."