Friday, January 14, 2011

Two junior hockey players suspended for eight games for methylhexanamine violations

Press Release

Ottawa, Ontario – January 14, 2011) – The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today that two junior hockey players were each assessed an eight-game suspension for anti-doping rule violations. The violations resulted from urine samples collected during in-competition doping control in November 2010 which revealed the presence of methylhexaneamine, a prohibited stimulant.

Under the rules of the CHL Anti-Doping Policy, Plymouth Whalers’ player Alexander Aleardi and Saginaw Spirit player Ryan O’Connor were each assessed an eight game suspension for a first violation for using a prohibited substance.

“These players and the teams concerned were extremely cooperative throughout the process. We are completely satisfied that the players used a supplement which they had purchased over the counter at a local retail outlet and had no knowledge that it contained a stimulant,” said CHL President David Branch.

Methylhexaneamine is banned in-competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List, which is recognized by the CHL. In Canada, methylhexaneamine is not an ingredient in medications licensed by Health Canada but can be found in supplements. “Athletes who choose to use supplements must be very careful about the source and purpose of their products,” said Paul Melia, President and CEO of the CCES. “Under CHL anti-doping rules, athletes are strictly liable for any substance found in their doping control sample, regardless of how it got there.”

“The Ontario Hockey League is committed to the ongoing education of all of our players relative to drug-free sport, and looks forward to continuing to work with the CCES to support the health and welfare of all players,” stated Mr. Branch.

The CCES is an independent, national, non-profit organization. Our mission, to foster ethical sport for all Canadians, is carried out through research, promotion, education, detection and deterrence, as well as through programs and partnerships with other organizations.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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