The physical intensity of professional hockey’s 82-game season demands a rare combination of speed, power, and resilience. This environment brings the subject of performance-enhancing drugs into focus. To ensure fair play and protect the sport’s integrity, the National Hockey League (NHL) has a specific policy to address the use of such substances by its athletes.
The NHL/NHLPA Performance-Enhancing Substances Program
The framework governing the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the NHL is the Performance-Enhancing Substances Program (PESP). This program is a joint agreement negotiated and administered by the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA). A committee with equal representation from both the league and the players’ association, along with consulting doctors, oversees the program and can make annual adjustments. This collaborative approach ensures the rules have the consent of both management and players.
The program’s core is its Prohibited Substances List, which details the substances players are not allowed to use. This list is extensive and includes anabolic androgenic steroids, hormones, and metabolic modulators. The list is not static; it is guided by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List. Any changes or additions to the NHL’s specific list must be negotiated and agreed upon by both the NHL and the NHLPA.
Before any player can be tested or face discipline, they must participate in a mandatory educational session about the program’s specifics and the dangers of prohibited substances. This educational component ensures all athletes are aware of the rules. The program also extends to players in the American Hockey League (AHL), ensuring a consistent anti-doping approach for players moving between the two leagues.
Testing Protocols and Procedures
The PESP employs a system of no-notice testing, meaning players can be tested at any time without prior warning. This element of surprise is designed to deter substance use. Testing occurs throughout the year, both during the competitive season and the off-season. Every player is tested during training camp, and each team undergoes one full, unannounced team-wide test during the regular season.
In addition to team-wide collections, individual players are also selected for random, no-notice testing throughout the regular season and playoffs. During the off-season, a set number of tests may be conducted across the league, with individual players being randomly selected. A notable aspect of the NHL’s protocol is that tests are not conducted on game days. The samples collected can include both urine and blood, with blood tests specifically used to detect Human Growth Hormone (HGH).
The program includes a mechanism for players who have a legitimate medical need for a substance on the prohibited list, known as a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). A player, through their physician, can apply to the program’s administrators for a TUE. If the medical justification is deemed valid by the program’s doctors, the player will be granted an exemption and will not be penalized for the substance’s presence in a drug test.
Penalties for Violations
The consequences for a positive test under the PESP are structured in an escalating tier system. For a first violation, a player receives a 20-game suspension without pay. A second positive test results in a 60-game suspension, again without pay. A third violation leads to a permanent suspension from the league, though the player can apply for reinstatement after two years.
In addition to the suspension, any player who tests positive is also referred to the NHL/NHLPA’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) Program for evaluation and potential treatment. The forfeiture of salary during the suspension period represents a significant financial penalty on top of the missed games.
There have been several instances of players being suspended under this policy. Defenseman Sean Hill was the first player suspended for 20 games in 2007. More recently, Nate Schmidt received a 20-game suspension in 2018 while with the Vegas Golden Knights. Shawn Horcoff was also suspended for 20 games in 2016.
How the NHL Policy Compares to Other Leagues
The NHL’s program has distinct differences when compared to other major North American professional sports leagues. The penalty for a first-time steroid offense in the NHL, a 20-game suspension, is less severe than in Major League Baseball (MLB), where a first violation results in an 80-game suspension. The National Football League (NFL) issues a four-game suspension for a first offense. The National Basketball Association (NBA) hands out a 10-game suspension for a first-time PED user.
The frequency of testing also varies. The NBA subjects each player to six random, unannounced tests per year. The NFL tests every player at least once annually, with additional random and targeted testing. The NHL’s system involves team-wide testing in training camp and once during the season, plus random individual tests, resulting in most players being tested multiple times per year.
The structure of the NHL’s program, with its joint administration by the league and players’ union, is common across major sports. However, the specific details regarding suspension lengths and testing frequency show that each league has tailored its approach. The NHL’s policy, particularly regarding first-offense penalties, is often viewed as more lenient than that of MLB but has different parameters than the NFL and NBA.