DUMP THE DOPERS Why Junior Hockey Must Get Serious About Substance Abuse

For decades, junior hockey has been celebrated as a proving ground—a place where young athletes sharpen their skills, learn discipline, and prepare for the next level of competition. Yet beneath the surface of this developmental system lies a troubling reality: a culture of substance abuse that has been tolerated, ignored, or outright enabled by those entrusted with safeguarding the game.

The time for half-measures is over. If junior hockey is truly about player development, opportunity, and preparing young men for the future, then the leagues, teams, and governing bodies must finally confront the issue head-on. That means implementing strict, enforceable policies that leave no room for ambiguity. In short: dump the dopers.

Over the past decade, junior hockey has developed a reputation that extends beyond the rink. Too often, stories of late-night parties, alcohol-fueled escapades, and drug use overshadow the achievements of the athletes who are working hard to pursue their dreams.

The problem is not isolated to a few “bad apples.” Allegations have surfaced repeatedly across programs, with whispers of coaches and staff not only turning a blind eye but, in some cases, actively facilitating the behavior. When authority figures normalize or enable substance abuse, they place every player—especially underage athletes—at risk.

The question is stark: what happens when a young player overdoses? Who bears responsibility when a preventable tragedy occurs? Parents entrust their children to these programs with the expectation of safety, structure, and accountability. Too often, that trust is betrayed.

USA Hockey and other governing bodies are supposed to provide oversight, but the record suggests otherwise. Policies exist, but enforcement is inconsistent, and loopholes abound. Teams and leagues frequently struggle not only to enforce rules but even to interpret them.

This lack of accountability erodes confidence in the system. It also creates an uneven playing field, where programs that tolerate or ignore substance abuse gain a short-term advantage over those that prioritize discipline and player welfare. The result is a culture where winning at all costs trumps the long-term development of athletes.

If junior hockey is serious about cleaning up its image and protecting its players, then the solution must be bold, uncompromising, and universal. Here’s what a real policy should include:

• Zero tolerance for illegal substances. Players, coaches, managers, staff, and even owners must be held to the same standard. If you are part of the program, you are accountable.

• Clear enforcement authority. Rules without teeth are meaningless. A designated body must have the power to investigate allegations and impose penalties without interference from teams or leagues.

• Severe, escalating penalties.

• First offense: a 15-game suspension.

• Second offense: mandatory enrollment in a substance abuse program and a half-season suspension.

• Third offense: a lifetime ban from that level of play.

Accountability for leadership. Coaches, owners, or staff who ignore or cover up allegations should be banned from the game. Turning a blind eye is as dangerous as direct participation.

• Consequences for clubs. Teams that repeatedly fail to address substance abuse should be removed from developmental leagues altogether. Protecting young athletes must come before protecting a franchise’s reputation.

Some will argue that these penalties are too harsh. But the stakes are too high for leniency. Substance abuse doesn’t just jeopardize a player’s career—it endangers lives. A single overdose can devastate a family, a team, and an entire community.

Severe penalties send a clear message: junior hockey is about development, discipline, and opportunity, not about partying or reckless behavior. By drawing a hard line, the sport can begin to rebuild its reputation and restore trust among parents, players, and fans.

At its core, junior hockey is supposed to be about preparing young athletes for the future—whether that future lies in professional hockey, college, or life beyond the rink. The lessons learned in these years should be about teamwork, perseverance, and responsibility, not about how much alcohol you can handle or which drugs you can get away with using.

By prioritizing player welfare and enforcing strict standards, junior hockey can reclaim its true purpose. Imagine a system where parents feel confident sending their children to play, knowing they will be protected and supported. Imagine a culture where discipline and accountability are celebrated as much as goals and assists. That is the vision worth fighting for.

The current culture of substance abuse in junior hockey is not just a blemish—it is a crisis. Every time a league ignores allegations, every time a coach looks the other way, and every time a player is allowed to risk his future unchecked, the sport loses a piece of its integrity.

It doesn’t have to be this way. With strong policies, consistent enforcement, and a commitment to protecting players above all else, junior hockey can turn the page. But it requires courage from leaders, honesty from programs, and a willingness to put development before denial.

If we truly care about the future of the game, then the path is clear: dump the dopers, protect the players, and restore the honor of junior hockey.