Chicago Blackhawks prospect and Rockford IceHogs goaltender Stanislav Berezhnoy has been suspended for 20 games for violating the terms of the AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substance Program.
He will not be permitted to play again until April 11.
“We were informed last week that Stanislav tested positive for a prohibited substance under the AHL/PHPA’s Performance Enhancing Substance Program,” Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. “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 has already served one game of his suspension. The consumed substance in question is unknown.
The IceHogs goalie has played in 15 games this season with a 5-9-1 record, 3.18 goals-against-average and a .888 save percentage. He was recalled from Rockford on Jan. 10 after illnesses plagued Spencer Knight and Arvid Söderblom, but did not start.
Seattle Kraken prospect David Goyette will also serve a 20-game suspension for violating the terms of the PESP. He will be eligible to return to the team on April 10.