Ducks’ Horcoff Suspended 20 Games For Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Veteran Anaheim Ducks forward Shawn Horcoff, 37, has now become the fourth NHL player to be suspended by the league for using performance-enhancing drugs.

Ducks’ Horcoff Suspended 20 Games For PeDs

On Tuesday, the NHL announced that the former All-Star has been suspended for 20 games due to a violation of the drug program administered by the league and the NHL Players’ Association.

“While recovering from an injury I suffered this past fall, I tried a treatment that I believed would help speed up the healing process,“ Horcoff said in a statement released by the Ducks. “Although I was unaware that this treatment was not permitted under NHL rules, that is no excuse whatsoever. I should have done my research … I accept full responsibility for my actions and I am sorry.”

The substance that Horcoff tested positive for was not identified in the league’s statement announcing the suspension. As a result of the violation, Horcoff has been automatically placed in the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for possible treatment.

Horcoff was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers and spent 12 years with the team until he was traded to the Dallas Stars just before the 2013-2014 season. This is his first season with the Ducks. Throughout his 12-season NHL career, Horcoff has racked up 162 goals and 285 assists (447 points). While serving the ban, he forfeits  $357,526 in salary.

Sean Hill (2007), Zenon Konopka (2014) and Carter Ashton (2014) were the other three players to receive 20-game bans for violating the NHL’s PED policy.

PHOTO: NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 22: Shawn Horcoff #22 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on December 22, 2015 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Ducks 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena