Toronto Columnist Takes Issue With NHL’s New Drug Policy

The drug policy contained in the new NHL’s CBA is “limited to performance-enhancing substances,” according to Al Strachan of the TORONTO SUN. League execs told team governors, “All other forms of ‘substance abuse’ and behavioural and domestic issues requiring employee assistance will continue to be handled through the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioural Health.” Strachan: “In other words, the same program it had before the lockout. It merely added another committee to deal with the use of ‘performance-enhancing’ substances.” Also, the league and NHLPA “have to agree on the substances in question.” Additionally, Sudafed, “a staple of many NHL players’ diets, will not be on the list,” as it was “specifically excluded” (TORONTO SUN, 7/27).