Wideman’s 10-Game Suspension Stands Despite NHL’s Insistence that Arbitrator Overstepped his Bounds

A New York federal judge recently confirmed the decision of James Oldham, an arbitrator, to reduce Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman’s suspension for hitting a referee.

As background, in January, 2016 Wideman was hit by another player while on the ice, which caused him to suffer a concussion. As he was skating to his bench, Wideman — looking dazed and confused — collided with a referee, Henderson. Henderson hit the ground and suffered from a concussion. The commissioner suspended Wideman for the minimum amount …

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Dispute Over NHL Player’s 20-Game Suspension Continues

The dispute over defenseman Dennis Wideman’s 20-game suspension for knocking a referee to the ice after being body slammed into the boards has created many questions in the NHL. Initially, there was an issue over whether players should be liable for conduct that occurs immediately after a head injury. The NHL seemingly thought this issue was resolved when the NHL Commissioner enforced the 20-game suspension against Wideman; however, that was not the end.

The NHL Players’ Association and Wideman appealed the suspension to a neutral …

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Reduction of NHL Player’s Suspension for Allegedly Striking an Official Heads To a New York Federal Court

On June 9, 2016, the National Hockey League filed suit in New York to challenge an arbitrator’s decision to reduce Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman’s suspension for “intent to injure” and “abuse of an official.” In its complaint, the NHL argues the arbitrator overstepped his bounds by substituting his own judgement for that of the NHL’s rather than assessing whether the NHL’s determination was reasonably supported.

This complaint stems from a January 27, 2016 game between Wideman’s Calgary Flames and the Nashville Predators. Midway …

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