A Windsor Spitfires forward has been suspended for eight games after taking over-the-counter cold medication.
According to a news release, forward Jake Smith has been suspended for a first-time violation of the Canadian Hockey League’s Anti-Doping Policy.
"While attempting to recover from an upper respiratory tract infection, Jake purchased an over-the-counter cold and sinus medication which contained an ingredient that is restricted by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list," says Spitfires Athletic Therapist Joey Garland.
He says even though Smith took the recommended dosage, he was still in violation of the policy.
"Jake's sample slightly exceeded the acceptable limit for pseudoephedrine set forth by WADA and administered on behalf of the CHL by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES). Jake was unaware that the medicine contained pseudoephedrine and was merely trying to get healthy," explains Garland.
Smith's suspension will begin Sunday as the Spitfires host the Flint Firebirds. He will be eligible to return on Thursday, March 8 to take on Sault Ste Marie.
