Drug, drugs, drugs, which are good, which are bad?

[charlio lemieux]

I am surprised this subject isn't in here already.

NHL players reject Pound's suggestion one-third use performance enhancers
25/11/2005 6:51:00 PM

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(CP) - Dick Pound stirred up a hornet's nest when he said he suspected that as many as one-third of the NHL's 700 players might take some form of performance-enhancing substance.


NEIL STEVENS, The Canadian Press
"I think it's unfair," says Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla.
Pound, the Montreal lawyer who is president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, was interviewed after a speaking engagement at the University of Western Ontario's law school Thursday. He mentioned a recent conversation with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who told him the league doesn't have a problem with players using performance-enhancing substances.

"I told him he does," Pound told the London Free Press. "You wouldn't be far wrong if you said a third" are using such substances.

Pound also said he's unimpressed by the NHL's random testing program.

"The NHL has reached a deal with their players that looks as though they found an early copy of the baseball policy on the floor somewhere," Pound told the Free Press.

Pound stuck by his words Friday.

"There's a broad range of things that are out there," he told Rogers Sportnet. "There's EPO, there's steroids, there's human growth hormones, there's stimulants, there's all sort of things.

"And then to pretend that it doesn't happen in hockey is just absurd."

Iginla was asked about Pound's comments after his team's practice Friday.

"I think it's been a pretty clean record - definitely not 33 per cent," he said. "I don't remember hearing that many failed tests.

"To make those accusations, as a player it feels a little unfair, but so be it. I think that testing is a good thing in hockey and in sports. That's a positive. As far as 33 per cent, accusing us of that, I don't think that is necessarily fair."

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Mattias Ohlund said he was surprised "a well-respected guy" like Pound would suggest as many as 33 per cent of NHLers are cheating.

"I've played for eight years and I haven't see anything around our team," said Ohlund. "I'm sure there will be some out of 700 who are taking something but to say that there's one-third is obviously ridiculous."

Flames defenceman Andrew Ference said he's heard no explanation as to where the figure of 33 per cent comes from.

"You'd think somebody in that position, if they're going to make such a strong statement, that they'd have examples or inside information or tests or whatnot," said Ference. "People involved in the sport who do have that information know the direct opposite of his comments.

"When there's no fact behind comments coming from a top man like that, the NHL should get their back up."

Both NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and NHL Players' Association executive director Ted Saskin scoffed at Pound's comments.

"I like the strong stance against it because it should be strong," said Ference. "We take great pride in our sport, in the fairness of it and in the integrity of it.

"Comments from a man like that can damage that reputation if not taken a strong stance against them."

Flames forward Tony Amonte admitted steroids have been used by some players.

"Obviously, guys take supplements and whatnot," said Amonte. "There are definitely guys who have taken steroids and stuff in hockey, but I don't think it's going to help you on the ice.

"Size isn't a big advantage out on the ice, it's more speed. I guess time will tell."

Flames forward Steve Reinprecht called Pound's comments irresponsible without facts to back them up.

"I'm only on one team and I don't see it," said Reinprecht. "Guys drink coffee and there you go.

"Unless you have numbers in front of you, it's kind of irresponsible to open your mouth."

Edmonton Oilers veteran Ryan Smith was another player curious about where the one-third estimate came from.

"We don't have any troubles here," said Smith. "I don't know what goes on around the league, but I talked to a few players and by and large I think this is false information."


Everybody's entitled to an opinion, he added.

Oilers defenceman Steve Staios said "it just causes a stir when guys just kind of pick numbers out of the air and try to guess on how many guys are doing what."

"We've all been briefed on what testing's going to be like and I guess we'll find out," said Staios.

Without an explanation for where the one-third estimate came from, "It's hard to know where he's coming from."

It's frustrating to hear comments like the ones attributed to Pound, added teammate Shawn Horcoff.

"If you look around the league, the players know themselves that the number's not even close to what he's saying," said Horcoff. "Hopefully, when they start testing, they're going to show that it's a lot lower.

"Hopefully it's going to be zero" and when tests results start arriving it'll be seen that "it is a clean league."

San Jose Sharks defenceman Scott Hannan said he can't recall an NHL player being caught using performance-enhancing drugs.

"Am I naive in saying that nobody's ever used it or nobody is?" asked Hannan. "Probably, but as far as extensively, I think that's a baseless comment."


NHL players are subject to a minimum of two drug tests a year without warning. A first-time offender would receive a 20-game suspension, a repeat offender would be suspended for 60 games and a permanent ban would follow a third offence.

This is the policy that Pound suggested resembles a discarded baseball plan. Major League Baseball has since taken a tough stand in implementing a 50-game ban for a first offence, 100 for a second and an outright ban for a third.

A world-class amateur athlete can be banned for two years for a first offence.

Random tests are not in full swing yet in the NHL because of the newness of the CBA, but national hockey federations are beginning to advise players who'll go to Turin in February that they'll soon be tested to assure compliance with Olympic anti-doping rules.


Now Pound isn't just talking about steroids, there is a list of substances, that include, the active ingredient in ND cold medications, and even caffeine.
I heard years ago how some players to "get up" for game would take more than a full days worth of ND cold medication. Of course years ago players used to go out drinking after a game, a la Rick Vaive/John Anderson night out that cost Rick the C, after John's first game against Toronto. So perhaps the need for help to "get up" for a game is not as wide-spread as in years gone by. That said I must also add that no numbers as to how many players used to use ND cold Medication, exist to my knowledge.
Lindros said he was taking something like 18 non-prescription pain killers to deal with Post Concussion syndrome.
The NHLPA's own testing numbers say less than 1% of their players are on the Juice. But the juice isn't the only thing that can get you turfed out of the Olympics.
I think ol' Dick had better put on some rubber gloves and and get 700 little bottles and go back up his assertions.

[a4l]

I wouldn't be surprised if the number was higher than the 1% that the NHL claims. Some of the "medicatiions" leave the body within 24 hr of taking them so pre and post gwme samples should be taken.

[TimmyTabasco]

Let him eat cake :coffee: :D

[PDO]

Pounds talking about caffeine? I thought he was talking about illegal substances. There are several players in the NHL who abuse caffeine before games, I know Khabibulan was hopsitalized after drinking 9 cups of coffee before a game, and that Mike Morrison has admitted to downing 2 redbulls during an intermission.

That said, he's just making a sensationalist comment.

[TimmyTabasco]

Pounds talking about caffeine? I thought he was talking about illegal substances. There are several players in the NHL who abuse caffeine before games, I know Khabibulan was hopsitalized after drinking 9 cups of coffee before a game, and that Mike Morrison has admitted to downing 2 redbulls during an intermission.

That said, he's just making a sensationalist comment.

Red Bull is nasty. I used to drink it quite a bit, but stopped. If you do drink it, take advice..don't

Its originally from Thailand, and is actually semi illegal there. Health Canada is looking at its effects, and it will probably be banned here soon.

What it does, is it seriously affects your heart. You may not feel it after one, but you will if you are a regular user.

Its the same as drinking lots of coffee. Your heart starts to get nutty.

Not recommended

[Amoroq]

Next time you watch a game, take a closer look at some of the players tounges. I know it sounds strange but on more then a few occassions I've noticed a blue green colouring of the tounge.

WTF happened to the old days when players used to eat bowl after bowl of pasta before games and durring intermissions ala Dougie Gilmour???

[charlio lemieux]

Next time you watch a game, take a closer look at some of the players tounges. I know it sounds strange but on more then a few occassions I've noticed a blue green colouring of the tounge.

WTF happened to the old days when players used to eat bowl after bowl of pasta before games and durring intermissions ala Dougie Gilmour???

Gatorade?

[PDO]

Gatorade?

:rollover:

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[MadDevil]

Professional athletes using performance enhancing substances? Surely you must be kidding.:laughing:

Come on people, is it that hard to believe that a professional athlete, whose entire career is based on their body would take something to "give them an edge" over somebody else trying to do the same? Now, I don't necessarily think 1/3 of NHL players use performance enhancing subtances, but I'm sure some have, and some continue to. I think we're all a bit naive if we think hockey is completely clean when it comes to this kind of stuff.

[PDO]

Professional athletes using performance enhancing substances? Surely you must be kidding.:laughing:

Come on people, is it that hard to believe that a professional athlete, whose entire career is based on their body would take something to "give them an edge" over somebody else trying to do the same? Now, I don't necessarily think 1/3 of NHL players use performance enhancing subtances, but I'm sure some have, and some continue to. I think we're all a bit naive if we think hockey is completely clean when it comes to this kind of stuff.

Ever been in a dresing room?

There's a couple things about hockey that change things, but the #1 thing is.. NHL'ers like to have some body fat. There's a few reasons for it, but how many NHL'ers do you see who are absolutely ripped? I can't think of very many. There's a few reasons for it, but it's true.

It's also extremely true that hockey is old school. When Ken Lowe was told about the quote, he took it as a personal insult.

[MadDevil]

So you honestly don't think that NHL players (even if it is only a minority of them) take performance enhancing subtances?

[PDO]

So you honestly don't think that NHL players (even if it is only a minority of them) take performance enhancing subtances?

Extreme minority.. yes.

Most of last week's denials appeared to focus specifically on steroids. But when Pound says "drugs," he means the entire spectrum prohibited by the International Olympic Committee - which includes two of a hockey player's best friends, caffeine and pseudo-ephedrine (found in the cold remedy Sudafed).

'nuff said. They're over the counter. He's an idiot.

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

'nuff said. They're over the counter. He's an idiot.

No doubt. Even in high school sports you'll have guys popping caffeine pills before games.

[Newfie John]

I use Redbull before every basketball game.. The stuff works. Makes me feel like I can jump and hit the roof, and I never feel tired until after the game is over. At that point is when I can faint.

[slapshot™]

Pound stuck by his words Friday.

"There's a broad range of things that are out there," he told Rogers Sportnet. "There's EPO, there's steroids, there's human growth hormones, there's stimulants, there's all sort of things.

"And then to pretend that it doesn't happen in hockey is just absurd."


I think it's absurd that Pound believes that over 30% of the players are doing these kinds of drugs.

Sure, Sudafed, caffine, Red Bull, etc. may be used...but certainly not the crap he is talking about. Maybe the odd player does steroids but they are likely in the small, small minority. There is always going to be a bad apple or two in the basket.

[charlio lemieux]

I think it's absurd that Pound believes that over 30% of the players are doing these kinds of drugs.

Sure, Sudafed, caffine, Red Bull, etc. may be used...but certainly not the crap he is talking about. Maybe the odd player does steroids but they are likely in the small, small minority. There is always going to be a bad apple or two in the basket.

That is some of the "Crap he's talking about".

[PDO]

That is some of the "Crap he's talking about".

Yeah, but he broadly said "illegal drugs" when talking about this stuff. That's why there's a problem with what he said :wave: . If he's simply going to hide behind small words, I guess eating chiken after a workout is performance enhancing too, because it is loaded with protein which your body uses to build more muscle :rolleyes:

[Iced Tea]

Next time you watch a game, take a closer look at some of the players tounges. I know it sounds strange but on more then a few occassions I've noticed a blue green colouring of the tounge.

WTF happened to the old days when players used to eat bowl after bowl of pasta before games and during intermissions ala Dougie Gilmour???Jello shooters?

Mmmmm, pasta.

Until Jose Canseco writes another book and talks about injecting steriods into Chris Chelios' butt, I tend to believe that the NHL is a pretty clean league. Except for Manny Fernandez and his smelling salts; smelling salts should be banned and then the Canucks can score more on a drowsy or sleeping Fernandez. :D

Dick Pound needs to go "pound" some sand. :laughing: Oh, I should be "pun-ished" for that one. It was really "punny" though. :laughing:

[charlio lemieux]

Yeah, but he broadly said "illegal drugs" when talking about this stuff. That's why there's a problem with what he said :wave: . If he's simply going to hide behind small words, I guess eating chiken after a workout is performance enhancing too, because it is loaded with protein which your body uses to build more muscle :rolleyes:

The list for what is Illegal in international competition, is alot longer than what is considered Illegal in professional Leagues.

Illegal substances/drugs from his point of view being involved with the Olympics, is way different than what is being outlawed in Pro Sports today.
Caffeine is a drug, and in the Olympics it is illegal, so I don't see the problem with his term.

[LiAmTrAnSdEmOn]

I could understand why people use performance enhancers, just cause they are cheaters. But why do people need to use stimulants to play??? If you can't get pumped up to play professional sports you shouldn't be playing. Hell, I play a pickup game of football and am the most competitive person on the street and will play no matter how tired I am. The fact that these spoiled-ass players need to take something to "get up" for the game is completely mind blowing to me.

[charlio lemieux]

LONG LIVE ROSS RIGLIBIATTI. The first person to get the leadership of an entire country to stand up and say to the international community,
"There's nothin' wrong with a little pot man."


Sorry, I just couldn't look at the thread title any longer.

[a4l]

LONG LIVE ROSS RIGLIBIATTI. The first person to get the leadership of an entire country to stand up and say to the international community,
"There's nothin' wrong with a little pot man."


Sorry, I just couldn't look at the thread title any longer.

I had a great laugh when that one happened. How can that stuff enhance performance? ":nod: Hey man whaaat's happening. :nod:"

[PDO]

I could understand why people use performance enhancers, just cause they are cheaters. But why do people need to use stimulants to play??? If you can't get pumped up to play professional sports you shouldn't be playing. Hell, I play a pickup game of football and am the most competitive person on the street and will play no matter how tired I am. The fact that these spoiled-ass players need to take something to "get up" for the game is completely mind blowing to me.

It's not about getting up to play.. it's about getting that extra kick it gives you. Also remember these guys play 82 games a season.. not even can be Mark Messier.

That said, all I drink as far as caffiene is considered is a diet pepsi about 2 hours before a game, and I don't think it's anything more than mental. I tried redbull once, and definetly had more bounce in my step, but by the time the 3rd period came around I was crashing and had to really push myself.. decided to stay away after that experience.

[slapshot™]

As much as I loathe Cherry, I was impressed last night on Coach's Corner when he challenged Pound to come on the set next week and substantiate his claims.

[charlio lemieux]

As much as I loathe Cherry, I was impressed last night on Coach's Corner when he challenged Pound to come on the set next week and substantiate his claims.

It was about as impressive as when he said if the league gave Hamilton a franchise he would comeback to coach it.:D Cherry is so low on the totem pole of real journalists, Pound would lose whatever remaining integrity he has by trying to debate a stubborn blowhard like Cherry. Now if Cherry had said MacLean would conduct the interview it would have added much more incentive to actually set up the interview, because atleast MacLean knows how to conduct one. Then Cherry comes out and starts saying how Pound was talking about steroids, and he's not going to let him bring up sudafed or other products like that. Pound used terms like Pharmacalogical help, Performance enhancing drugs/substances, not to my knowledge has he ever said "30% of hockey players take Steroids". When Pound looks at a list of international banned substances, there are several on there that have a history within the league. Like using Non-drowsy cold medication or excess consumption of caffeine. So Cherry invites him to an interview and tells him basically, "before you even get here I am going to ignore your explaination, of the comments you made. So please come on my time slot so I can try to crucify you before the entire nation."
Pound would be a very stupid man if he showed up without a list of names, to back up what he said, if he shows at all.
He can start with Khabibulin's 9 cups of coffee and subsequent hospital visit.
Think about how many players in recent history seem to have "found their game" at around the same time they are supposed to be losing it. The Geoff Courtnalls and the Bill Guerins who don't seem to devlop until 29 or 30 and right around contract renewal time. Steroids or some other performance enhancer would sure explain how a guy can double his goal total at an age when most players start to think about their future life, after hockey.

I could tell that there were baseball players on the juice, not because of their size but because of their tempers. I have known people who used steroids to add some bulk, and the biggest most obvious change, after their super fast development, was their attitude. Far more agressive, and angry and almost total lack of any sense of humour. I saw the same thing in baseball with the increased number of fights, brawls and some truly barbaric behaviour by supposed ambassadors of the game. Now there is no evidence that Roberto Alomar ever took steroids, but the man that spit on an umpire while with Baltimore was not the same easy going friendly player we saw in Toronto, and steroids sure would explain his altered demeaner.

When someone is on steroids they are both physically and mentally altered. With that said I don't think steroids is the big issue in hockey. But other performance enhancers have been here for a long time, and is an issue that should be addressed. :thumb:

[a4l]

Great post Charlio. I know 16 yr olds that use performance enhancing substances without even thinking of the affect it will have on them in the future. As you said, steriods aren't the only stimulants on the market.

[Iced Tea]

Cherry is so low on the totem pole of real journalists, Pound would lose whatever remaining integrity he has by trying to debate a stubborn blowhard like Cherry.Cherry is as much as journalist as I am a ladies' man. Cherry and journalist should never be in the same sentence. Cherry is a pundit on all things to do with hockey and should never ever be confused with a journalist.

As for Pound talking to Cherry; the forum is all wrong and there wouldn't be enough time to properly discuss the issue. Better to preempt "After Hours" and fill it with a half hour chat between Pound and possibly MacLean or even a true journalist/sports announcer from CBC.

[charlio lemieux]

Great post Charlio. I know 16 yr olds that use performance enhancing substances without even thinking of the affect it will have on them in the future. As you said, steriods aren't the only stimulants on the market.
Thank you very much a4l. If it is in highschool athletics, who are we kidding here about pro's.

Cherry is as much as journalist as I am a ladies' man. Cherry and journalist should never be in the same sentence. Cherry is a pundit on all things to do with hockey and should never ever be confused with a journalist.

As for Pound talking to Cherry; the forum is all wrong and there wouldn't be enough time to properly discuss the issue. Better to preempt "After Hours" and fill it with a half hour chat between Pound and possibly MacLean or even a true journalist/sports announcer from CBC.

You are correct. :laughing: Journalist is a stretch for Cherry, but I was just trying to be kind to a old man who I used to, in my youth, hold in rather high regard.:)
I'm sorry to hear about the lady problem. What you need is "The Andrew Dice Clay School of Etiquite and Charm". This is a place where all finer points of culture and gentlemanly conduct are honed to a fine razors edge. Two week session $1995.95US.:D

Regardless of any personal opinion of him as a HNIC host, I would enjoy to see Ron MacLean interview Pound during the entire first intermission. I have watched Ron do some very impressive interviews in the past. He will ask a tough question even when he has to appologise before asking it, but he will not bypass nor be afraid to bring up any issue. He will hang on like a bulldog if he smeels blood, until he gets his answer or the interviewee is getting mad and starting to look like an idiot. He is smart, logical and quick to catch people back stepping. Come on CBC give it a go.

[slapshot™]

Think about how many players in recent history seem to have "found their game" at around the same time they are supposed to be losing it. The Geoff Courtnalls and the Bill Guerins who don't seem to devlop until 29 or 30 and right around contract renewal time. Steroids or some other performance enhancer would sure explain how a guy can double his goal total at an age when most players start to think about their future life, after hockey.

When someone is on steroids they are both physically and mentally altered. With that said I don't think steroids is the big issue in hockey. But other performance enhancers have been here for a long time, and is an issue that should be addressed. :thumb:

(I took the liberty of snipping out the extraneous crap)

Are you implying that Guerin is 'on' something? What do you base this on and do you have any supporting proof? It appers that you've taken a page out of Al Strachan's, Proven Methods of Rumour Mongering (available from DoubleDay for $11.95). To toss out an allegation such as that offers up your credibilty as incredible as Don Cherry's.

So...steroids aren't the issue. Coffee is? Sudafed is? What substances would be allowed in Charlio's world and what would be banned? Are you suggesting that sudadfed or caffine are 'performance enhancers'?

[PDO]

... Charlio, the prime of an NHL player is at 29. Hardly when they start thinking about life after hockey.

[charlio lemieux]

(I took the liberty of snipping out the extraneous crap)

Are you implying that Guerin is 'on' something? What do you base this on and do you have any supporting proof? It appers that you've taken a page out of Al Strachan's, Proven Methods of Rumour Mongering (available from DoubleDay for $11.95). To toss out an allegation such as that offers up your credibilty as incredible as Don Cherry's.

So...steroids aren't the issue. Coffee is? Sudafed is? What substances would be allowed in Charlio's world and what would be banned? Are you suggesting that sudadfed or caffine are 'performance enhancers'?

Is Al a celebrity out west because you guys sure like to bring him up.:D He must have made quite an impression. Somehow?:confused:

What I am saying it is odd how many players in the last decade have suddenly "found their game" at a late age, and in a contract year. Guerin is simply one of those players. It was not an accusation, only an observation, but being on a performance enhancing substance, would be one way to explain the sudden improvement. If he was on something or not only a drug test could tell. Besides there is a history of using substances other than steriods in the NHL. If I had said Grant Fuhr would it have been better?


No I don't think steroids are the issue, the league tests for them and has found less than 1% usage. But the league allows the use of several substances which are banned internationally. Including ingredients found in Sudafed, and the drug caffeine. Coccaine and any kind of amphetamines are there too, and all would be viewed as performance enhancing drugs.
The media and the league have focused on steroids, because that is the biggest no-no of them all, and due to the recent US congessional inquiry.

Logically it is absurd to suggest 30% of any league is actively taking steroids. Especially when the majority of players in the league are less than half the size of the 'roid loving WWE wrestlers. Almost no one in the NHL is as built as even T. Owens, let alone the size of MacGuire or Bonds. Has Pound ever said "30% take steroids"? I personally haven't heard him say that. I think what he said was closer to "30% use performance enhancing substances"?
That could mean a large double double from Tim Hortons before the game.

[a4l]

So...steroids aren't the issue. Coffee is? Sudafed is? What substances would be allowed in Charlio's world and what would be banned? Are you suggesting that sudadfed or caffine are 'performance enhancers'?

According to the IOC sudafed certainly is. Remeber Silken Lauman?
Come on folks let's not be naive. If all sports followed the same list of banned substances and carried out regular spot testing this whole issue would be solved. When one sport refuses to test it's athletes through out the season then the question will always remain and cheating/taking stimulants will proliferate.

[PDO]

How are caffeine and sudafed a no-no at all? They're legal substances!

[slapshot™]

How are caffeine and sudafed a no-no at all? They're legal substances!

It's that whole Liberal-type thinking, B. Ohhhhh, it's bad...we must ban it. Like a few cups o' coffee are going to give you an edge in the NHL Stanely Cup Finals (performance enhancing, my ass). Doesn't give any more of an edge than waxing your stick.

[charlio lemieux]

... Charlio, the prime of an NHL player is at 29. Hardly when they start thinking about life after hockey.

I was thinking of at age 29 planning for 3 or 4 years down the road. Even still 29 is at the end of any players prime. So you are right. But remember when 30+ NHL players used to be alot fewer. More players retired at or around 30 instead of closer to 40 like today.
I think the age of free agency also played big part as to why the players are succeeding later and playing longer. You can't ignore the fact that some of the players had incredible improvement in their free agent seasons. They must be under tremendous pressure, knowing that at their age this could very well be their last contract. It is understandable that if you could give yourself an edge without cheating, you would do it. From there it is not hard to understand how, with the amount of money involved, a person would use this perfectly legal edge to prolong their carreer. *This does not mean everyone over 30 is on something.:thumb:


One thought that just occurred to me. Dick Pound is a Canadian, but in a position where to cheer for Team Canada, or to appear to help them, is inappropriate. Could this whole thing just be his way of making sure Canada is ready, without crossing any lines? Deja vu
Have I posted this before?
Who am I?:D
Not again! :eyebug:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaa:eek: :eek:

[KB in Kelowna]

Dick Pound has been a member of the IOC for years, at least 25. Where was he when the former Soviet Bloc was conducting Pharmaceutial expermients on its elite athletes. Anyone who thinks the Ben Johnson scandal was an anomaly (sic) has thier head buried in the sands of IOC hype. Fact is Canada was late to the game of doping and one of our athletes was the first big name to get caught. Pound and the IOC were stangely silent until the fall of the Berlin Wall and then the files of the East Germanns and other became public and coupled with corruption scandals they "got religion" on performace enhancing drugs.Dick Pound is just trying to secure his legacy with this crusade as he lost the last election for President of the IOC. If he has proof of his acusations let him come forward with names and documented verifiable evidence.

And here is something I found at another site: "every NHL player will be subject to up to two "no-notice" tests every year, with at least one such test to be conducted on a team-wide basis. Players will be subject to "no-notice" testing at any time."
http://www.nhl.com/nhlhq/cba/drug_testing072205.html
__________________

[charlio lemieux]

It's that whole Conservative-type thinking, B. Ohhhhh, it's bad...we must ban it. Like a few tokes off a joint are going to give you an insane desire to kill. (relaxing, my ass). Doesn't give any more of an edge than a valium.

Fixed:D :laughing: :thumb:

[PDO]

Has it occured to that players are able to play an extra 5 years now because they're doing two things that were never done 20 years ago?

1) Training in the off season.
2) Nutrition

It's as simple as that, really. Once Mario Lemeiux was asked how he was preparing for training camp "I'm not going to order fries with my Club Sandwhich now."

Pretty much sums up how much work these guys did off the ice. Now every single day they're working out and improving their physical conidition. That's going to have a lot of positive effects.

[slapshot™]

Has it occured to that players are able to play an extra 5 years now because they're doing two things that were never done 20 years ago?

1) Training in the off season.
2) Nutrition

It's as simple as that, really. Once Mario Lemeiux was asked how he was preparing for training camp "I'm not going to order fries with my Club Sandwhich now."

Pretty much sums up how much work these guys did off the ice. Now every single day they're working out and improving their physical conidition. That's going to have a lot of positive effects.

PDO knows.

[charlio lemieux]

Has it occured to that players are able to play an extra 5 years now because they're doing two things that were never done 20 years ago?

1) Training in the off season.
2) Nutrition

It's as simple as that, really. Once Mario Lemeiux was asked how he was preparing for training camp "I'm not going to order fries with my Club Sandwhich now."

Pretty much sums up how much work these guys did off the ice. Now every single day they're working out and improving their physical conidition. That's going to have a lot of positive effects.

Still players have been using substances such as cold medicines, coffee, coccaine, alcohol and painkillers (OTC or script), before a game for alot longer than 20 years, and usage continues to day. (maybe not coccaine anymore):)

[slapshot™]

Still players have been using substances such as cold medicines, coffee, coccaine, alcohol and painkillers (OTC or script), before a game for alot longer than 20 years, and usage continues to day. (maybe not coccaine anymore):)

Source? Charlio = Dick ?!?!?!?

[charlio lemieux]

Source? Charlio = Dick ?!?!?!?

I was waiting for you.
Proof : Watch any game where the players are shown walking in. How many have coffees?

[slapshot™]

How many have coffees?

Coffee = caffeine = stimulant

stimulant - yes
performance enhancer - no

[charlio lemieux]

According to the IOC a stimulant = performance enhancer

[KB in Kelowna]

Caffine and Nicotine, the two fuels of the Canadian Economy.

[Iced Tea]

Still players have been using substances such as cold medicines, coffee, coccaine, alcohol and painkillers (OTC or script), before a game for alot longer than 20 years, and usage continues to day. (maybe not coccaine anymore):) Source? Charlio = Dick ?!?!?!?I was waiting for you.
Proof : Watch any game where the players are shown walking in. How many have coffees?Players carrying coffee is no proof. Watch any group of people going to work at an office building or construction site, how many have coffees? How about we stop everyone on the freeway and count the number of people with a coffee in the drink holder. A large portion of the population is carrying around coffees. So how are NHL players any different then the rest of us?

Frankly, unless the players were seen with a Super Big Gulp size cup of coffee, I don't see how a regular cup of coffee will give a player an advantage.

Enough about coffee, I'd like to see proof of your allegations of players using cold medicines, cocaine, alcohol and painkillers. And considering you always like to back your posts up with stats/facts, you will no doubt further investigate this issue and get back to slapshot and me with some hard evidence.

[charlio lemieux]

Players carrying coffee is no proof. Watch any group of people going to work at an office building or construction site, how many have coffees? How about we stop everyone on the freeway and count the number of people with a coffee in the drink holder. A large portion of the population is carrying around coffees. So how are NHL players any different then the rest of us?

Frankly, unless the players were seen with a Super Big Gulp size cup of coffee, I don't see how a regular cup of coffee will give a player an advantage.

Enough about coffee, I'd like to see proof of your allegations of players using cold medicines, cocaine, alcohol and painkillers. And considering you always like to back your posts up with stats/facts, you will no doubt further investigate this issue and get back to slapshot and me with some hard evidence.

This is the thing. How much does it take to be cheating in the Olympics?
If my morning coffee disqualifies me from a 7:00pm event, then that's just silly.

Lindros admitted to taking up to 18 OTC painkillers a day to deal with Post concussion symptoms.
RIP John Kordic (sp)John Kordic's Major Penalty


Story by: Patrick O'Sullivan

*editted for length


Jon Kordic's adult life was defined by uncontrollable rage. His six years in the NHL is a testament to his success as an enforcer, and his four teams an indication of his inability to keep his fury on the ice. His career was composed almost entirely of fights, suspensions, arrests, and squandered second, third and fourth chances.

Surprisingly, with the Portland Junior Hawks of the minor leagues, Kordic was considered a skilled player, adept at passing, stick handling and scoring. He led the team's defensemen in points but suddenly developed a penchant for fighting that was encouraged by the coaching staff and fostered by pressure to use steroids. The owner of the team, Brian Shaw, had been accused of sexually abusing the players and Kordic suggested, years after the fact, that he'd been one of the victims. A friend of Kordic's claimed that Shaw told John that he was impressed with what he'd seen on the ice but ëeven more impressed with what he'd seen in the shower.'

When his father died in 1991, Kordic's guilt and dependence compounded into increased erratic behavior both on the ice and off, and, after being filmed cheering for the opponent at a Leaf game, he was again written off and traded to Washington.

Despite an effort to stay away from drugs, Kordic was twice suspended for alcohol related offences and was released from the Capitals having played in only seven games in which he earned 101 penalty minutes

The following season, the Quebec Nordiques decided that they would take a chance on what was still a young and promising player, but protected themselves with a contract that paid per game rather than per year, and a clause that stipulate that Kordic could be subjected to random drug tests on twenty minutes notice. Despite initial months of promise both in his game and in his life, in January of 1992, Kordic failed a drug test and was kicked off what would be his last NHL team.

Seven months later, while playing with the Edmonton Oilers Farm team in Quebec, Kordic checked himself into the suburban Maxim Motel. The police were called when furniture was smashed against the wall and screams were heard from within the room. It took eight officers to hold the high and violent Kordic down and two pairs of handcuffs to keep his arms still. He was put into an ambulance and, at 27 years old, died of cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital.


Theo Fleury's battle with alcohol, I thought would still be fresh in your mind.

From: Steve's TGOR Nation Blog
TEAM 1200's Steve Warne from Three Guys on the Radio (WEEKDAYS 5:30-9AM) sounds off on just about anything.

Dave Morissette, who played a handful of games for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1999-2000 season, claimed in March that the use of stimulants is rampant in hockey. Morissette alleges hockey players abuse ephedrine-based, over-the-counter drugs such as Sudafed and Ripped Fuel. Most people didn’t buy the claims, suggesting he was simply trying to sell his book, “Memories of an Enforcer”. People said the same thing about Jose Canseco but his book gets less fictional sounding by the day.

[charlio lemieux]

Back on March 29, 2004 Beer League Hockey profiled the use of Sudafed in recreational hockey. It is our second most popular article, behind "selecting the Proper Skates." Many visitors to this site searching for information on how Sudafed affects the performance of hockey players.

The CBC article mentions that ephedrine makes the heart beat faster and increases blood pressure, allowing athletes to avoid fatigue and increase their performances during bursts of powerful effort. But the point that they missed is that it also has side effects such as nervousness and irritability that can actually impair athletic performance.

The article also mentions Ripped Fuel, a fat burner containing stimulants such as ephedrine and caffeine. On the label they are listed as MaHuang and Guarana respectively. Ripped Fuel has since been discontinued in this form since in the US, the FDA has banned Ephedra.


Ephedrine and caffeine are listed on the label as MaHuang and Guarana respectively.
WTF?
People are drinking this stuff and don't even know it!:burning: :curse: :talkhand:
:burning: I pisses me off when big business lies to the consumer through a loophoole, like using an obscure/ unknown name for a potentially dangerous substance. :burning:
Guarana is a berry that grows in Venezuela and the northern parts of Brazil. The main ingredient of guarana is guaranine, which is chemically identical to caffeine.

[Iced Tea]

So Lindros is taking painkillers? I think we all knew that. He took the pills to keep from having his head explode in pain not to feel less pain when his body was hit during a game. It sure hasn't done anything to improves his game and isn't that what we are talking about; getting an edge by using drugs.

John Kordic's destruction was thanks to abuse, both by others and himself. None of the substances he used were for purposes to enhance his on ice performance.

Stimulants in a recreational hockey league does nothing to support your case of problems in the NHL.

Who is Dave Morissette?

I want to see real proof. None of your examples prove anything about what Pound is talking about. A player saying yes, I used drugs to perform better; the NHL testing players and saying drugs are everywhere; players admitting to using cocaine or cold medicine to play better. That is real proof and something I could believe.

[TimmyTabasco]

Ephedrine and caffeine are listed on the label as MaHuang and Guarana respectively.
WTF?
People are drinking this stuff and don't even know it!:burning: :curse: :talkhand:
:burning: I pisses me off when big business lies to the consumer through a loophoole, like using an obscure/ unknown name for a potentially dangerous substance. :burning:

Yeah, Guarana is a form of very strong caffeine. Think of it as twice the power

Ephedrine is nasty, and again..should be avoided. Unless ofcourse you want heart issues down the line

[charlio lemieux]

Here is an interesting article.

Hockey's Little Helpers

The legal drug of choice in the NHL is Sudafed?not for cold relief, but for the on-ice boost it offers

by Michael Farber

Posted: Wed January 28, 1998



At 6:30 on game nights in Montreal, as the fans start streaming into the Molson Centre, as the TV sportscasters fidget while waiting to deliver their live reports, as the hot dogs grill in the press lounge, Canadiens goaltender Andy Moog goes through his pregame routine in the dressing room. He takes two Sudafed tablets and washes them down with a cup of water?it is not a question of health but of habit. Moog took Sudafed for the first time six or seven years ago, when he was with the Boston Bruins, because he had a terrible head cold. Since then, his remedy has become his ritual. Four other Canadiens also reach regularly for Sudeys, as they sometimes call them, to kick-start their motors, to get ready to play. For these men a game face includes an open mouth and a couple of hockey's little helpers.


"You get pretty wired up. Sometimes it gets you a little emotional on the ice, a little too fired up."

A similar scene is being played out in dressing rooms throughout the NHL. The exact number of players who use Sudafed, a nonprescription drug that contains the stimulant pseudoephedrine, in an effort to boost their performance on the ice, is unclear. Two NHL trainers estimate that before a game 20% of the league's players routinely take over-the-counter medications that contain pseudoephedrine, not to combat the sniffles, as the manufacturers intended, but to feel a little buzz. The NHL, however, disputes that figure, saying the percentage of players using drugs such as Sudafed is much lower and that they use them for medicinal purposes only.

The brand names vary?pseudoephedrine can be found in dozens of cold remedies?but Sudafed remains the most popular choice for players who want a pick-me-up. It's the NHL's dirty little secret, and with the Olympics imminent, it is of great concern to the league because although Sudafed is legal, it is on the Olympic list of banned substances. Consider the following:

?Anecdotal accounts of Sudafed abuse in the league abound. A former coach says one of his players built up such a tolerance to the medication that he had to gobble 20 pills to get the desired boost.

"There are all kinds of overdose stories?guys not being able to finish the first period because they get the shakes, paranoia, anxiety," says Detroit Red Wings athletic trainer John Wharton, who's been with the club since February 1991. "There are some guys who have been able to tolerate [large doses of pseudoephedrine]. The most I've seen a player take is eight pills. That dose would put some people in the hospital." Wharton says he has seen four or five abusers in the last seven years.

?Jari Kurri, the respected 17-year veteran right winger of the Colorado Avalanche, says some of the dirty play in recent years might be a result of players having had something more than the usual competitive juices flowing through their systems. He suggests a link between the use of pseudoephedrine and the increasing lack of respect NHL players have shown each other in this decade. "You take it, you get hyped up," says Kurri, who also says that he took Sudafed once before a game last season when he was with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. "I don't know if the stickwork, the dirty hits, are because of that, but I think it's something the league should look into."

Montreal right wing Mark Recchi sees no correlation between pseudoephedrine and dirty play but doesn't deny that Sudafed gets him going. "You get a bit of an upper from it," says Recchi, who no longer takes the medication but admits that at one time he used it every 10 or 15 games. "You get pretty wired up. Sometimes it gets you a little emotional on the ice, a little too fired up."

?Brian Savage, a left wing on the Canadiens, takes two Sudafeds before every game at roughly the same time as Moog. Savage says he started the routine three years ago, his second season in the league. "I'm not sure if it pumps me up anymore," he says, "[but] if I'm a little groggy, it brings me up." Sometimes the trouble is coming down. After a game that ends at about 10:15 p.m., Savage can't fall asleep until 2 or 2:30 a.m. "I go out for dinner, have a glass of wine," he says. "Then I can fall asleep."

With the Nagano Olympics scheduled to open on Feb. 7 the abuse of over-the-counter drugs has become a delicate issue for the NHL. The league, in its initial Olympic involvement, is providing players for six Dream Teams for Nagano, and the last thing it needs is a doping scandal. Sudafed use could lead to one. The NHL, in conjunction with the players' association, tested prospective Olympians during training camps and has continued with random testing during the season in hopes of preventing the embarrassment of a failed test at the Games. In Nagano a positive drug test after a game by a player would result in the suspension of that player from the Olympics and in his team's forfeiting that game. If a player tested positive after a medal-round game, he and his teammates could be stripped of their medals.
An IOC drug-testing official told SI that if a person ingested a small quantity of pseudoephedrine?the normal dosage in two regular-strength Sudafed pills?traces of the stimulant could show up in his urine sample up to a month later. However, the official said that "after about a week" it was unlikely that enough would show up to produce a positive result.

Still, NHL Olympic participants and trainers are taking no chances with Sudafed and its chemical cousins. The Canadiens have changed their protocol for the distribution of over-the-counter cold remedies this season, requesting that players get them only from the medical room even though anyone can pick up a box of 24 Sudafed extra-strength decongestant?one of eight Sudafed brands marketed in Canada?for $6.99 at a pharmacy. (Last week one Montreal player had a bottle containing Sudafed tablets on a shelf in his locker.) Several Olympians, including New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur and Colorado right wing Adam Deadmarsh, haven't taken the medication even to fight winter colds this season because of the approaching Games, according to newspaper accounts and team sources. Wharton says, "We've been super cautious with [Red Wings Olympians Steve] Yzerman and [Brendan] Shanahan for months."

The impish Shanahan, though, was less circumspect in a Jan. 18 interview with TSN in Canada. When asked if he enjoyed teaming with U.S. players on the North American squad in the All-Star Game, he cracked that it gave him an opportunity to "see if anybody's popping Sudafeds in the American drinks."

Shanahan was joking, but the casual approach to over-the-counter medications is no laughing matter. The effects of pseudoephedrine are similar to what Canadian Olympic team doctor Eric Babins calls its "first cousin"?adrenaline, or norepinephrine: It can increase breathing capacity by shrinking and unblocking nasal passages and dilating the bronchial passages while raising the heart rate and blood pressure. The drug stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary muscles and responses, including the fight-or-flight response so critical in the wild. Players who have used Sudafed say that if they take the medication an hour before a game, they begin to notice its effects 35 or 40 minutes later, during warmups. Doctors say pseudoephedrine is at its most potent about two hours after it is taken, although the drug remains active in the system from eight to 16 hours, depending on the dosage, the formulation and the individual. Potential side effects include tremors and anxiety, but there appear to be no long-term effects unless the user already has a cardiac condition. While the pills may not be physically addictive, the high that the players get from the medication is.

According to players and medical personnel, Sudafed began to appear in NHL dressing rooms in the mid-to-late 1980s. The approach to the medication at the time was surprisingly relaxed on some teams. When Wharton joined the Red Wings as their strength and conditioning coordinator, he says, Sudafed tablets sat on the table in the dressing room "like a bowl of fruit. But we got rid of them right away." He estimates that three quarters of the Detroit players at the time used Sudafed before a game.

"[When I played for Edmonton], I remember somebody walking [from the back of the dressing room] with a little jar, and he used to rattle it, and it sounded like a snake," says Moog, who spent five full seasons with the Oilers, from 1982-83 to '86-87. "We used to call [the tablets] 'rattlers.' [He'd say,] 'Anybody want a rattler?'"

The use of Sudafed probably crested three or four years ago, not long after the issue of over-the-counter medication was discussed at a meeting of the NHL Physicians Society. "There was a concerted effort among the doctors at the time to tell players that [misusing the medication for a boost] was not a good idea," says Terry Groves, the Calgary Flames' team internist since 1980. In the early 1990s, Groves says, a notice was posted in the Calgary dressing room that cold remedies, specifically Sudafed, would not be dispensed by the trainers. He says he sees no current evidence of Sudafed use by Flames players.

"We're trying to get across our message," says Ga?tan Lefebvre, the Canadiens' athletic trainer, who keeps a card handy listing all the over-the-counter medications proscribed by the IOC. "Those medications are for medical purposes. If you're looking for an edge, try getting it by working out in the gym."

But if the message about misusing Sudafeds is being spread, not all NHL players are listening. Some have merely abandoned Sudafed for other legal products that provide the same boost. Players are using various alternatives?including Up Your Gas tablets?that contain the Chinese herb Ma-Huang and are available at health-food stores. "Some of the younger players are taking a more holistic, natural approach," Moog says of the switch from Sudafed to a naturally occurring form of ephedrine, a stimulant with properties similar to pseudoephedrine, which also could produce a positive drug test at the Olympics.

Even a squeaky-clean Olympics will not mask the fact that hockey's little helpers are part of the NHL scene. They might not be the thinking man's choice?"Guys don't need it if they're healthy in their [heads]," says Red Wings center Igor Larionov?but they are an option.

[Newfie John]

Sudafed eh? I'll have to try that with some redbull.. lol.

[a4l]

Sudafed eh? I'll have to try that with some redbull.. lol.
For some of us Sudafed puts us into a real state.:eyebug: We don't need a jolt of redbull to enhance it.

[Newfie John]

For some of us Sudafed puts us into a real state.:eyebug: We don't need a jolt of redbull to enhance it.

Kind of like how I don't need anything to enhance the redbull. I have 2 cans of that and I'm crazy out on the court. Gives me an extra edge. Nothing wrong with it IMO.

[TimmyTabasco]

Kind of like how I don't need anything to enhance the redbull. I have 2 cans of that and I'm crazy out on the court. Gives me an extra edge. Nothing wrong with it IMO.

There is ALOT wrong with Redbull

Redbull makes your heart beat faster, and should be avoided. Health Canada is thinking of making it illegal in Canada

[Newfie John]

There is ALOT wrong with Redbull

Redbull makes your heart beat faster, and should be avoided. Health Canada is thinking of making it illegal in Canada

I don't drink it every day.. just before games.

[TimmyTabasco]

I don't drink it every day.. just before games.

When your playing a sport, your heart rate is already fast. So, add the redbull..and baam..

Check this out

Source (http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/health/redbull/)

[Newfie John]

The accelerated heart rate gets the blood moving and baam, you feel like you can jump and hit the roof. In moderation, IMO it's ok.

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

The accelerated heart rate gets the blood moving and baam, you feel like you can jump and hit the roof. In moderation, IMO it's ok.

Screw Redbull. Time to move up to caffeine pills:thumb:

[Newfie John]

Screw Redbull. Time to move up to caffeine pills:thumb:

lol, if someone seen me taking any pills they'd think I'm gettin on E to play ball. Those types of pills are very popular here.

[slapshot™]

The accelerated heart rate gets the blood moving and baam, you feel like you can jump and hit the roof. In moderation, IMO it's ok.


With regards to Mario, an irregular heartbeat is no big deal. I have suffered this for sure. You get dizzy every now and then and you feel weak but once you see a doctor about it they can fix it up for you by either giving it a shock or just giving you exercises to regulate it. The one I had was one of the more serious ones so don't fret for Mario. It can turn serious though and where he's such an active athlete things could be different but I think he'll be ok. This could be overblown because of the whole Fischer thing.

Marty Havlat could be out for the year aswell... what a shame.

Perhaps you can offer up your Mom's address Johnny...that way we will know where to forward her condolences when you bite the big one.

Mind the language and the personal insults please - Mel

[a4l]

Slappy you beat me to it. If you had an irregular heartbeat then stay off the red bull.

[TimmyTabasco]

Slappy you beat me to it. If you had an irregular heartbeat then stay off the red bull.

This is a classic side-effect of redbull usage.

A few years ago, I drank some "Monster" energy drink. I didn't even finish the big can..when I felt my heart racing much too fast..and felt dizzy/faint.

Never drank it again

[a4l]

I didn't even gret that far. I read the list of ingredients and decided not to buy it.

[Iced Tea]

What will happen when some of the older NHL players, like Chris Chelios, get caught with Viagra in their bloodsteam? It's a stimulant that increases performance. :D :laughing:

[slapshot™]

Here's a snippet of a FANTASTIC column penned by Olympian and Stanley Cup winner Marty Brodeur...



In mid-January, anti-doping testing will start in the NHL. Although I support the new policy adopted by the National Hockey League, I consider that Dick Pound went too far recently when he claimed that a third of the players are using prohibited substances.

Come on! The percentage put forward by the president of the World Anti-Doping Agency would mean that eight players in the Devils' locker-room take doping products to improve their performances.

I find it highly surprising that a man with his reputation would make such declarations without evidence to back them. Pound should have waited a few weeks more before assessing the situation.
In my 13 years in the NHL, I've never seen one player doping.

Entire story, here -> Edmonton Sun (http://edmsun.canoe.ca/Sports/Hockey/2005/12/09/1345575-sun.html)

http://images.theglobeandmail.com/archives/RTGAM/images/20050411/wworld12/1brodeur11.jpg

[charlio lemieux]

Here's some more of that same article. Brodeur apparently can't tell the difference between stimulants and steroids either. Why people have such a hard time separating the two, I don't know.

On the other hand, one would have to be blind to believe that no one in the league does it. Stimulants might be tempting when one wants to quickly get back on their skates after an injury, for instance.

However, I trust that those players are few, since hockey is not the type of sport where the athlete can reap great benefits from anabolic steroids or similar products. Doping incidents involving baseball legends such as Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds have tarnished the reputation of that professional sport, and the National Hockey League undoubtedly cannot afford a scandal after a year in lockout.


Stimulants might be tempting when one wants to quickly get back on their skates after an injury
Hey Marty, steroids is what someone takes to speed up recovery time, not stimulants.
As long as people refuse to see the distinction between steroids and stimulants, this rediculous debate will continue.

[a4l]

What will happen when some of the older NHL players, like Chris Chelios, get caught with Viagra in their bloodsteam? It's a stimulant that increases performance. :D :laughing:

Ok you owe me a bottle of wine. It kind of got spilled when Ii read this.

[charlio lemieux]

Doping's a crime? Now thats a drug policy! Just a bit over the top.

Italy's tough anti-doping law to remain in place for Winter Games



posted December 19 @ 21:00, EST

ROME (AP) - Doping will remain a criminal offence during the Turin Olympics, allowing for possible police raids on the athletes' village.

Weeks of dialogue between Italian authorities and the International Olympic Committee finished Monday without any changes to Italy's tough drug law. The IOC maintains, however, it never asked for Italy's law to be weakened.

"The IOC is not above the law and has never expected or requested to be," IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "From the IOC perspective that has not been where our focus was for the whole process."

Italian law calls for criminal prosecution of sports doping offenders. Under IOC rules, athletes can be disqualified and stripped of their medals but face no criminal liability.

"Raids in the village could happen for a number of issues. The IOC certainly respects that," Davies said, treating the issue as a "hypothetical" and not expected.

Mario Pescante, Italy's government supervisor for the games, had sought unsuccessfully to get the Italian parliament to suspend the law during the Feb. 10-26 Winter Olympics.

He said the law will remain in place, but added, "I don't see the necessity for raids, since positive tests will be announced and everything will be done in the light of day."

The IOC was concerned about three other doping issues, which have been resolved.

-The IOC will be in charge of testing and will delegate the procedures to Turin organizers and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

-The 2006 WADA list of banned substances will be used, ending worries that the 2005 list would still be in effect.

-Hyperbaric chambers, banned under Italian law but not specified in the World Anti-doping Code, will be prohibited in the Olympic village.

"The national Olympic committees will be reminded of that," Davies said, adding that the chambers, which simulate high altitude conditions and help boost endurance, also were banned at past games.

Davies said the IOC would send letters Tuesday to all national Olympic committees taking part in the Turin Games to explain the anti-doping situation.

"We want clarity on anti-doping issues for athletes and teams," she said.

Davies stressed that the IOC never intended to go soft on doping and there will be a 71 per cent increase in drug tests in Turin compared to past games. Officials will carry out 1,200 tests in all - 838 using urine samples and 362 blood specimens.

"With an ex-surgeon as president, you can have no doubt how strongly the IOC feels about a fight on doping in sport," Davies said, referring to IOC president Jacques Rogge.

[charlio lemieux]

BUSTED
TSN.ca Staff

1/19/2006 7:24:15 PM

Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Bryan Berard tested positive for a banned substance as part of drug testing for the Olympics.

Sources say Berard, who was invited to the U.S. summer Olympic evaluation camp and therefore eligible for Olympic testing, tested positive for the substance nandrolone, an anabolic steroid which is on the IOC banned substance list.

A positive test means that Berard is ineligible for any international competition for the next two years. The test will not impact on the Olympics in February as Berard was not selected to the U.S. team.

The positive Olympic test will have no impact on his current standing or status within the National Hockey League.

Related Info
Hockey Insider
The test was apparently conducted in November with the results being made known to Berard in December.





Sources say the NHL was made aware of the positive test in December. Sources also suggest that Berard voluntarily went to the league in late December and underwent league sanctioned testing, which came back negative for any banned substances.

Sources say Berard attributed the positive test to a supplement he was taking in off-season training.

Berard would only be sanctioned by the NHL if he tested positive within the joint testing program of the NHL and NHL Players Association which began last Sunday.

Blue Jackets executive director of communications Todd Sharrock says the team is aware of the report, but will have no comment "until the results are confirmed by the group that administered the test."

The USADA is scheduled to announce the doping result at a Friday news conference. Berard is also slated to talk to the media Friday.

The 28-year old former first overall selection in the 1995 Draft has 9 goals and 18 assists in 40 games with the Blue Jackets this season.

[a4l]

It's amazing how everybody who's caught blames it on a supplement they took at some time prior to the test. Good excuse.

[charlio lemieux]

There is word of 6 Canadians testing positive for steroids, on the the score (http://www.thescore.ca/), but there is no other info.

[PDO]

There is word of 6 Canadians testing positive for steroids, on the the score (http://www.thescore.ca/), but there is no other info.

We're up to 1%...!

I just drank a diet pepsi and I have a hockey game in 2 hours.. uhoh ;).

[charlio lemieux]

We're up to 1%...!

I just drank a diet pepsi and I have a hockey game in 2 hours.. uhoh ;).

I don't think it's hockey players, it just said athletes.

[PDO]

I don't think it's hockey players, it just said athletes.

Wait, were you referring to Olympians or Montreal CanadiEn's?

:conspire:

[charlio lemieux]

Wait, were you referring to Olympians or Montreal CanadiEn's?

:conspire:

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Olympians.

[Newfie John]

Wait, were you referring to Olympians or Montreal CanadiEn's?

:conspire:

Have you been drinking?