NHLPA appealing Wideman's ban

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Wednesday upheld Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman's 20-game suspension for cross-checking a linesman.

After the league announced the decision, the NHL Players' Association said it will submit an appeal to neutral arbitrator James Oldham.

"We are extremely disappointed but not surprised that Gary Bettman upheld the decision of his staff to suspend Dennis Wideman for 20 games," the NHLPA said in a statement.