(1)
Peeing in a cup is going to be as much a part of life in the OHL as scoring goals, taking penalties and riding buses. The OHL and WHL are joining the QMJHL this year by introducing random drug tests for their players.
Players testing positive for substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, including steroids and cocaine, will find themselves sanctioned by their league.
The OHL is following up on its program, first announced in October 2006. At that time it was reported that, depending on the substance, a doping violation could cost a player between five and 10 games for a first offence. A positive test could also result in a ban from international play, such as the world juniors or world championships.
Tests will be random and players will be chosen by officials from the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports. The QMJHL has had one positive test, for the banned substance ephedrine, in four years; the player was suspended for eight games.
"It's been good," said QMJHL commissioner Gilles Corteau. "Now players know we're doing testing."
Kevin McGran
