NHL linesman Don Henderson is suing Calgary Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman and the team for $10.25 million after being injured in an on-ice incident last January, according to TSN’s Rick Westhead.
Wideman delivered a cross check to Henderson while skating to the bench during a game against the Nashville Predators on Jan. 27, 2016. The Flames defenceman was originally suspended 20 games by the league—the second-longest ban for abuse of an official—but was reduced to 10 contests after a successful appeal.
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According to Westhead, Henderson is seeking general damages of $200,000, special damages to pay for housekeeping, yard work and hospital expenses of $50,000, plus damages for loss of income and future loss of income of $10 million. Henderson claims he suffered head, neck, back, shoulder, and knee injuries, as a result of the incident. He also suffers from anxiety and depression, as well as permanent and partial disability, according to the lawsuit.
Wideman was diagnosed with a concussion after the game in which the incident occurred, and claimed at his disciplinary hearing that he was in pain from a hit suffered just before the contact with Henderson, that he was just trying to get to his team’s bench and was unable to avoid the official. Henderson hasn’t officiated a game since, and has reportedly undergone neck surgery.
The government of Alberta is also listed as a plaintiff in the case, reportedly wanting Wideman and the Flames organization to cover past and future costs of Henderson’s medical services, including dental surgery, optometric, mental health, chiropractor, and podiatrist services, among others, that would otherwise be on the government to finance.
Wideman, whose Flames were just eliminated from the playoffs by the Anaheim Ducks, becomes a free agent on July 1. He finished up the end of a five-year, $26.25 million deal.
