AHL Suspensions: Berezhnoy & Goyette Face 20-Game Bans for PEDs

Two promising prospects, goaltender Stanislav Berezhnoy of the Chicago Blackhawks and forward David Goyette of the Seattle Kraken, have been suspended for 20 games each by the American Hockey League (AHL) for violating the AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substance Program. The suspensions, announced earlier this week, will sideline both players for a significant portion of the remainder of the AHL season.

Berezhnoy, 22, is in his first professional season in North America, having signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Blackhawks last summer. He has appeared in 15 games for the Rockford IceHogs, primarily as a backup to Drew Commesso, posting a 5-9-1 record with a 3.18 goals-against average and a .888 save percentage. He received a brief recall to the NHL in January due to a goaltending shortage in Chicago but did not see any game action. The suspension will delay his opportunity to compete for playing time at the NHL level.

Goyette, 21, was drafted by the Kraken in the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft (61st overall). He is currently in his second season under contract, playing for the Coachella Valley Firebirds. While a prolific scorer in junior hockey – amassing 282 points in 197 Ontario Hockey League games – Goyette has yet to consistently translate that offensive production to the professional ranks. He recorded 18 points in 54 games with the Firebirds last season and has 10 points in 47 appearances this season. The suspension interrupts his development and opportunity to prove his scoring ability at the AHL level.

The AHL’s performance-enhancing substance program mirrors the NHL’s policies, indicating Here’s a first-time offense for both players. This means the suspensions apply to games in both leagues, effectively preventing either player from being recalled to their respective NHL teams during the ban. The timing of the suspensions is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the ongoing Winter Olympics, though the league has not directly linked the announcements to the international competition.

Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson released a statement regarding Berezhnoy’s suspension, stating that the organization believes the positive test resulted from a supplement the goaltender was consuming. Davidson emphasized that Berezhnoy did not knowingly take a prohibited substance and praised his maturity and accountability in taking responsibility for the situation. The Blackhawks organization expressed continued support for Berezhnoy and his development.

Both players are expected to be eligible to return to game action before the conclusion of the AHL regular season. Berezhnoy’s suspension will end on April 11th, while Goyette will be eligible to return a day earlier, on April 10th. However, their return timing presents a potential challenge. With just over a week remaining in the AHL season upon their reinstatement, teams may be hesitant to immediately insert them into crucial playoff races, given the extended time away from game action.

The suspensions highlight the ongoing vigilance of the AHL and NHL in combating performance-enhancing drug use within their organizations. While both players maintain they did not intentionally ingest prohibited substances, the penalties serve as a reminder of the strict regulations governing player conduct and the potential consequences of unknowingly consuming contaminated supplements. The incident also underscores the importance of education and awareness regarding prohibited substances for young athletes navigating the complexities of professional hockey.

For Berezhnoy, the suspension represents a setback in his attempt to establish himself as a viable NHL prospect. He will need to regain his form and confidence after the ban and demonstrate to the Blackhawks coaching staff that he is ready to compete for playing time. Goyette faces a similar challenge, needing to prove he can consistently contribute offensively at the AHL level to earn a legitimate opportunity with the Kraken. The next several weeks will be critical for both players as they work to overcome this adversity and continue their pursuit of an NHL career.

The AHL season continues with several key matchups scheduled for the coming weeks. The Rockford IceHogs and Coachella Valley Firebirds will both need to navigate their respective schedules without their suspended prospects, potentially impacting their playoff aspirations. The suspensions serve as a cautionary tale for other players and organizations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the league’s performance-enhancing substance program and prioritizing player health and safety.