The opportunity Wideman had long sought arrived in a way he never imagined, and certainly never hoped for.
The aggravation of a serious injury to mainstay Chris Phillips at the beginning of the 2015 training camp unexpectedly opened up a spot on along the Ottawa Senators defense. And Wideman quickly filled it.
The opportunity Wideman had long sought arrived in a way he never imagined, and certainly never hoped for.
The aggravation of a serious injury to mainstay Chris Phillips at the beginning of the 2015 training camp unexpectedly opened up a spot on along the Ottawa Senators defense. And Wideman quickly filled it.
But even before the spot opened up, the organization had shown its belief in him by signing the skilled defenseman - who had yet to play an NHL game - to a contract rather than have him potentially walk away as a free agent during the summer.
He certainly had the necessary credentials during a compelling third complete season for Binghamton of the American Hockey League. His 61 points were the most by a defenseman, he earned selection to the Eastern Conference team for the All-Star Game, and was awarded the prestigious Eddie Shore Trophy as the top defenseman in the AHL.
After being selected by the Senators in the fourth round (No. 100) in the 2009 NHL Draft, the St. Louis-born Wideman spent four seasons at the minor-pro level, a five-game stint with Elmira of the East Coast Hockey League, and the rest of the time trying to get noticed at Binghamton.
Establishing himself as a dependable option, hinting at better things ahead during his first season with the Senators, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Wideman contributed 13 points in 64 games, operating mainly on the third defense pairing.
When the Senators missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Wideman played for Team USA at the World Hockey Championships, helping the Americans finish fourth.
Wideman, who played four years at Miami (Ohio) University, was drafted by the Senators following his first season. He finished his college career with 12 goals and 95 points in 163 games and, as a senior, had the opportunity to play alongside his younger brother Alex, who was a freshman.
Wideman helped Miami claim its first CCHA tournament victory and earn two trips to the Frozen Four. In 2009, the RedHawks reached the national championship game, losing a 4-3 overtime decision to Boston University.
