The NHL is taking a page from the World Anti-Doping Agency and banning Meldonium.
Meldonium is a drug used to treat coronary artery disease, but has found recent prevalence in doping scandals. WADA banned the drug on January 1st after it was revealed multiple athletes from international sporting venues had it in their system. Most notably, Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova tested positive for the drug in March. Sixty other athletes also tested positive for the drug.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed Meldonium was added to the banned substance list in an email to the Associated Press. Why would the NHL think Meldonium might find its way to the league? Well, the use Meldonium has been discovered in Russian hockey. In April, it was reported roughly 80 percent of Russia’s under-18 team tested positive for the drug. The U-18 team was ruled ineligible for tournament player, including Philadelphia Flyers first-round pick German Rustov. The U-18 team reportedly took the drug after they were instructed to by team staff.
Considering there’s evidence Meldonium is active in hockey, even if it’s not in the NHL yet, the league is wise to crack down on its use entirely. There’s clearly a link between its use and enhanced performance, so adding it to the banned substance list will prevent any future problems.
[TSN.ca]
