$10.2M lawsuit against Calgary Flames, Dennis Wideman filed by injured linesman

An NHL linesman is suing the Calgary Flames and defenceman Dennis Widemanfor $10.2 millionafter sufferinga number of injuries he alleges were caused bya hit fromthe player,according to a statement of claim filed at the Calgary Courts Centre.

Widemanwas suspended for 10 games after a hit to Don Henderson during a game against the Nashville Predators on January27, 2016.

Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman hits linesman

9 years ago

Duration 1:22

Linesman Don Henderson would stay in the game.

The NHL official has not been cleared to work since he was injured and "has suffered a limitation of activities and loss of enjoyment of life," the claimsays.

The lawsuit claimsWideman"violently struck"Hendersonfrom behindand that the linesman was "completely defenceless."

• Dennis Wideman suspended for hitting official

In the game,Widemantook a hit in the second periodfrom the Predators'MiikkaSalomaki. Moments later, Widemanwas skating toward the Flames' benchwhen he cross-checkedHenderson, who had his back to the defenceman.

"At the time of the incident,Widemanintentionally and deliberately struckHenderson," reads the document.

The senior linesman's injuries are listed as:

• Head injury and concussion.
• Injury to the neck requiring surgery.
• Injuries toHenderson'sback and shoulder.
• Pain and numbness in his right arm and hand.
• Injury to the right knee.
• Headaches.
• Anxiety and depression.

As a result of his injuries, Henderson hasneeded physiotherapy, medication and psychological counselling.

The injuries costHenderson$10 million in lost income and future earnings, according to the lawsuit, which also seeks $250,000 in general and special damages.

• U.S. district court upholds reduction of Wideman suspension

Widemanwas initially suspended for 20 games for the hit, but an independent arbitrator reduced the suspensionto 10 games.

At the time of the hit,Hendersonhad officiated more than 1,200 NHL games "without ever missing a game due to injury."

The allegations have not been proven in court, andstatements of defence havenot yet been filed.

The Calgary Flames and Henderson'slawyers both declined to comment.Henderson did not respond to calls and an emailfrom CBC News.