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NHL linesman files lawsuit against Calgary Flames, defenceman Dennis Wideman

NHL official sues Wideman, Calgary Flames

CALGARY — NHL linesman Don Henderson is suing defenceman Dennis Wideman and the Calgary Flames for $10.25 million over a hit from behind during a game against the Nashville Predators.

Henderson said in a statement of claim that he suffered a concussion and injuries to his neck, back, shoulder and knee, with the neck injury requiring surgery.

He also claimed he suffered shock, anxiety, depression, headaches and permanent and partial disability as a result of the incident.

The Flames would not comment on the lawsuit when contacted Thursday.

Statements of claim contain allegations that have not been proven in court.

Henderson, who lives in Calgary, was hurt during the second period of Calgary's 2-1 loss to Nashville on Jan. 27, 2016.

Wideman was checked hard into the boards by Predators winger Miikka Salomak.

He banged his stick on the ice en route to the players' benches and is alleged to have shoved his stick into Henderson's back in front of the Predators' bench.

Henderson went down, but got to his feet and finished the game.

"I would never intentionally try to hit a linesman or a ref or anything like that," Wideman said following the game.

But the statement of claim insists "Wideman intentionally and deliberately struck Don Henderson."

As the result of his injuries, Henderson said he's been unable to work any NHL games since then.

The NHL suspended Wideman for 20 games, which was later reduced to 10 games by an arbitrator, although Wideman had already served 19.

Wideman's contract expires this season. The 34-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent July 1.

 

The Canadian Press

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version said Wideman shoved his stick into Henderson's back; it should be he "is alleged" to have done that