Flames’ Wideman to have appeal heard this week

The NHLPA tweeted on Tuesday night that Dennis Wideman's suspension appeal will be heard in New York by arbitrator James Oldham.

NEW YORK (AP) — The National Hockey League Players' Association will appeal to an arbitrator for suspended Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman on Thursday and Friday.

The NHLPA tweeted the announcement on Tuesday night, and the appeal will be heard in New York by arbitrator James Oldham.

Bettman shows unsettling bias in Wideman appeal

The NHLPA requested the appeal after NHL commissioner Gary Bettman upheld Wideman's 20-game suspension last week for cross-checking a linesman on Jan. 27.

Wideman knocked down Don Henderson during the second period of a game against Nashville. Wideman was checked hard into the boards, then banged his stick on the ice before knocking down Henderson in front of Nashville's bench. Wideman said he was in pain and was just trying to get off the ice, adding that he couldn't avoid Henderson.

The suspension is the second longest in NHL history for abusing an official.