Dennis Wideman

Dennis Wideman
Wideman warming up with the Calgary Flames
Born	(1983-03-20) March 20, 1983 (age 33) Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Right
NHL team Former teams	Calgary Flames St. Louis Blues Boston Bruins Florida Panthers Washington Capitals
NHL Draft	241st overall, 2002 Buffalo Sabres
Playing career	2005–present

Dennis Earl Wideman (born March 20, 1983) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). Wideman was drafted in the eighth round, 241st overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Wideman grew up playing his minor hockey in his hometown of Elmira, Ontario, playing for the Woolwich Township Wildcats "B" of the OMHA's Tri-County League and the Guelph Reps AAA Bantams of the OMHA's South Central AAA League in 1997–98.

Wideman spent the 1998–99 season with the Elmira Sugar Kings of the Mid-Western Junior Hockey League (MWJHL), scoring 18 goals and 48 points in 47 games. He was then drafted by the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

Wideman began his OHL career with the Wolves in the 1999–2000 season. In his rookie season in Sudbury, he had ten goals and 36 points in 63 games. He then added three points in 12 games in the playoffs. Wideman began 2000–01 in Sudbury, scoring seven goals and 18 points in 25 games before being traded to the London Knights.

Wideman finished the 2000–01 season with London, earning eight goals and 16 points in 24 games with the Knights. In the playoffs, Wideman had four assists in five games. He exploded offensively in the 2001–02 season, scoring 27 goals and 69 points in 65 games with London, while registering 141 penalty minutes. In 12 playoff games, Wideman had four goals and 13 points. He had another solid offensive season in 2002–03, as Wideman had 20 goals and 47 points in 55 games. He then added six goals and 12 points in 13 playoff games Wideman returned to London as an over-ager in 2003–04, and had another very solid season. He scored 24 goals and had 65 points in 60 games, while posting a +52 rating. In 15 playoff games, Wideman scored seven goals and 17 points to finish his junior career.