Injured NHL linesman ordered to pay legal costs to Flames, ex-defenceman Dennis Wideman after failed lawsuit

Injured NHL linesman Don Henderson has been ordered by a judge to pay partial legal costs to the Calgary Flames and former player Dennis Wideman after his lawsuit against them was tossed earlier this year.

Court of Queen's Bench Justice Willie deWitordered Henderson to pay $8,000 to theFlames and$3,000to Wideman. In March, deWitstayedthe NHL official's $10.2-million lawsuit and ordered the case to be heard by an NHL arbitrator.

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Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman hits linesman

9 years ago

Duration 1:22

Linesman Don Henderson would stay in the game.

In his statement of claim filed a year ago, Henderson said he was still not able to work because of hishead and neck injuries, which included a concussion.

In the second period of a game against Nashville in January 2016, as Wideman skated to the bench after taking a hit from Predators'MiikkaSalomaki, hecross-checkedHenderson, who had his back to thedefenceman.

Widemanwas ultimately suspended for 10 games.

In his March decision to stay the lawsuit, deWit agreed with thedefendants' position that Hendersonmust abide bytheagreement between theNHLand its members includingofficialsthat says disputes like thisfallunderthe umbrella of employment issues andmust be dealt with through league arbitration.

Henderson had argued the caseshould remain in court becausethe league and its commissioner, GaryBettman,showed bias based onprior involvement with Wideman's suspension.

Henderson's lawyers have appealed that decision.