NHL Officials' Association: Dennis Wideman decision shows code towards refs has 'changed'

The NHL Officials' Association issued a strong statement Saturday morning criticizing arbitrator James Oldham's decision to reduce Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman's suspension from 20 to 10 games for abuse of officials.

"The NHLOA strongly disagrees with the decision while linesman Don Henderson continues to recover from an injury inflicted by the player that will sideline him for the rest of the season," the statement said. "The message in reducing the suspension that is sent to NHL players, as well as athletes all over the world, including children, is that the code of conduct towards officials has changed."

Wideman cross-checked Henderson on his way to the bench in a Jan. 27 game against the Nashville Predators. Wideman had just been hit into the boards and appeared dazed. Part of Wideman's defense was that he suffered a concussion.

Oldham did acknowledge the importance of "preventing physical abuse of officials is extremely important in preserving the integrity of the game." But he wrote that he did not believe Wideman had intent to injure when he knocked Henderson to the ice, causing a concussion.

"The NHLOA intends to take all steps necessary so that its members are protected in the future and ensure that this type of conduct by a player against an official never happens again," the statement added.