Drug policy in place in NHL

[Rock]

McKenzie: Drug policy in place in NHL

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/bob_mckenzie.asp

TSN.ca Staff

3/22/2005

Contrary to widespread belief, the National Hockey League does have a performance enhancing drug policy that includes random testing and sanctions. It just doesn't have a new collective bargaining agreement to put the drug policy into play.

The truth is the NHL and NHL Players' Association last spring negotiated and settled on the framework for random testing for steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs with specified sanctions. And the new drug policy, with penalties, was actually put into effect for the World Cup of Hockey last fall. NHL players were randomly tested prior to and during that tournament and if any had tested positive for performance-enhancing substances, they would have faced sanctions, including suspension from that event.

That's the way it's supposed to work when the NHL resumes play, but, obviously, the lockout has put everything in the NHL on hold, including this new policy. One would like to think that whatever the NHL and NHLPA agreed to for the World Cup would weather this labour storm and be included in any new CBA, and that is the intention of both sides, but it remains to be seen.

In the meantime, though, it's clear the NHL's and NHLPA's hearts are in the right place. Baseball has suffered a black eye as result of the steroids scandal and only a rube would think there's no performance-enhancing drug use in the NHL. While only a relatively small number of NHL players may be using steroids, the use of stimulants such as those contained in over the counter medications such as Sudafed, has long been identified as much more popular in the NHL.

And that may not change with a new drug policy. The NHL will be using the World Anti-Doping Agency's protocol and list of banned substances, with a few exceptions, like marijuana, for example. Sudafed, which contains pseudo-ephedrine, is no longer a banned substance. Neither is caffeine. WADA has determined taking Sudafed, regardless of the quantity, is not performance enhancing. Until one sees precisely what the penalties are for testing positive, it's difficult to fully judge the NHL policy, but it's certainly a step in the right direction.

It's not as though drug testing is a totally foreign concept to NHL players. Any NHLer who competed in the Olympics, World Championships or World Junior Championships has been subjected to testing. But when the NHL game resumes, there is every reason to believe it will become the norm for every player on an everyday basis, with suspensions for those who are caught.

For TSN.ca, I'm Bob McKenzie.

[sheeps]

The NHL will be using the World Anti-Doping Agency's protocol and list of banned substances, with a few exceptions, like marijuana, for example.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Now, the World Anti-Doping Agency has marijuana (and all cannabinoids) on its list. So the NHL made the exception to disclude marijuana? Weird. I mean, I'm not against that, I'd never judge marijuana as a performance enhancer for hockey (though Commodore always looked stoned ), but it's still weird that they (purposefully) make that exception.

[peteyvegas]

It's funny!! The league doesn't care if you take something that makes you play WORSE!!

[BlueSkirt]

"OK, who ordered a pizza to the penalty box? "

[DevilsGirl]

"OK, who ordered a pizza to the penalty box? "

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Edited March 23, 2005 by DevilsGirl

[LOTCB]

"OK, who ordered a pizza to the penalty box? "

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And brownies for dessert? Yummy!!!

[sheeps]

It's funny!!  The league doesn't care if you take something that makes you play WORSE!! 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly... I've heard of skateboarders doing better while high, but hockey players? They'd be out of breath on the first shift! They'd probably take fights on purpose just to get five minutes (off) in the box... and then they'd order the pizza

Didn't Commodore look stoned to anyone else?