Prince George Cougar forward Spencer Asuchak has been suspended for 8 games for violating the CHL's drug abuse policy. Asuchak tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine in a test in December.
Methylhexaneamine is the same stimulant that was responsible for the positive tests and suspensions of two OHL players two weeks ago. It is apparently found in an over-the-counter supplement that those two players admitted consuming, and which Asuchak apparently admits to taking as well.
While none of these incidents are serious and all appear to be an honest mistake by the players involved (hence the relatively minor suspensions given to all three players), this is at least some proof that the CHL's drug testing program is working.
I do believe Asuchak is the first WHLer to be suspended by the league as a result of a positive drug test.
3 comments:
Here is my question if it is an honest mistake, and you can't expect very many teenagers living away from home to be able to know if a banned substance is in an over the counter supplement, why have they been suspended so severely? 8 games is alot for a mistake like this.
I'm going to guess that it's because players are told that they are responsible for what they put into their bodies. That puts the onus on them, 100%, to be aware of the contents of anything they take.
Every team has fitness and nutritional experts available for the players to talk to, and unless the players is told by somebody involved with the team that a particular supplement or energy drink or medication is OK to take, then I think the player has to take the responsibility for the consequences of anything he uses.
I'm certain that there was no intent by Asuchak to break the rules. It was a mistake, and it is being punished as such.
8 games for an unintentional first offence seems OK to me. Its stiff, but there needs to be a message sent that the CHL is serious about this stuff. You can be sure that everyone in the league is taking notice of this and will be a lot more careful going forward. That, to me, is a good thing.
i would like to see 10 games. What does anonymous want a 2 game slap on the wrist suspension. Players are recieving multiple games for checking from behind. I am sure it was a honest mistake, however, i believe Prince George has a head trainer, and a couple of coaches if the player has any questions.
Brian in sherwood
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