PUBLICATION
Sam Walker
February 17, 2026 (12:41)
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Stanislav Berezhnoy just took a brutal hit, the Chicago Blackhawks goalie got a 20-game AHL suspension, and the crease picture in Rockford feels shaky.
The American Hockey League handed Berezhnoy a 20-game suspension for violating the AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substance Program.
He is eligible to return on April 11, which is a long time to live without your usual rhythm.
This is a Rockford IceHogs story first, but it lands on the Blackhawks’ desk fast because that pipeline matters.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson issued the following statement on the matter:
“We were informed last week that Stanislav tested positive for a prohibited substance under the AHL/PHPA’s Performance Enhancing Substance Program. While Stanislav did not knowingly take a prohibited substance, we believe his positive test is a result of a supplement he was consuming at the time. Stanislav has taken full responsibility for the situation and the organization praises him for the maturity and accountability he has shown. The Blackhawks organization fully supports Stanislav and knows he will use this as an opportunity to grow as he continues his development.”
Berezhnoy is 22, and he signed with Chicago as an undrafted free agent last summer.
In 12 AHL games this season, he has a 5-6-1 record with a 3.12 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage.
Rockford is already chasing air in the Central, sitting at 17-26-4, so losing a goalie for 20 games stings.
Stanislav Berezhnoy leaves Chicago Blackhawks depth exposed during suspension
Blackhawks fans will feel that familiar mix of frustration and fatigue, because the org can’t afford more avoidable chaos.
For Rockford, it forces a new rotation between the pipes, and it usually means more stress on the blue line.
For Chicago, it trims one more emergency option if injuries pile up again.
The league gave no public details on the substance, and you should not expect them to.
If the IceHogs stay afloat, Berezhnoy comes back with a clean chance to reset and finish his season with purpose.
If they sink, this becomes another tough lesson in a year that already has too many.
Either way, the next milestone is April 11, and everyone in the Blackhawks system will be watching that first whistle.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
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Chicago Blackhawks goaltender suspended for 20 games for violating performance-enhancing substance program
Should Stanislav Berezhnoy be back as Rockford IceHogs starter on April 11?