Drug testing is coming to the WHL.
The Canadian Hockey League announced last Wednesday that it is entering into an agreement with the Canadian Centre for Ethics and Sport to develop a drug education and anti-doping policy for its players. That includes random drug testing, which is expected to begin being implemented in the WHL later this season.
“We have a responsibility to our players and the Canadian public,” CHL president David Branch said in a press release. “The CHL strongly believes that the health and safety of our players is vital to maintaining a strong and vibrant league that is doping free.”
The CHL will use the same list of banned drugs used by the World Anti-Doping Agency. That list includes performance-enhancing substances such as steroids, human growth hormone and erythropoietin (EPO), as well as recreational drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.
“We’re putting together educational materials for the players in anticipation of starting testing in January 2007,” WHL commissioner Ron Robison said. “Parents and billets of CHL players will be provided with extensive resource information and materials. No testing will occur until all athletes have gone through the education program.”
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, one of the three leagues under the CHL umbrella along with the WHL and the Ontario Hockey League, implemented its own drug-testing policy in 2004 after rumors of rampant drug use. Since implementation only one player has tested positive.
The CHL program will give all three members of the CHL the same comprehensive plan. It will replace the QMJHL’s program.
Robinson update: The condition of Moose Jaw forward Garrett Robinson, who suffered life-threatening head injuries in a car crash on Oct. 22, has improved.
Robinson remains in critical but stable condition at Regina General Hospital. However, he awoke from his coma and has been responsive to family members.
A trust fund has been set up for Robinson’s family. Those who wish to contribute can find more information online at www.mjwarriors.ca.
Slap shots: Kamloops made a pair of deals, sending 18-year-old goaltender Michael Maniago to Lethbridge in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2008 bantam draft, then sending 18-year-old left wing Scott Skrudland to Saskatoon for a sixth-round pick in the 2009 bantam draft. … 20-year-old utility player Chad Scharff, who was picked up by Chilliwack in the overager cutdown draft, has decided not to join the expansion Bruins. To fill their vacant overage spot, the Bruins picked up 20-year-old forward Dillon Johnstone from the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. … Chilliwack center Mark Santorelli was named the WHL Player of the Week. Santorelli had two goals and six assists in four games, helping the Bruins go 3-1.
League leaders: Points – Martin Hanzal (Red Deer) 28; goals – Kris Hogg (Lethbridge), Mark Derlago (Brandon) 14; assists – Hanzal 20; penalty minutes – Myles Stoesz (Chilliwack), Theran Yeo (Brandon) 72; wins – Leland Irving (Everett) 9; goals against average – Irving 1.09; save percentage – Irving .955.
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