Entire Russian U18 roster replaced due to Meldonium scandal

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Brutal. It may really affect the draft as the U18s are one of the major tournaments for scouting euros. Was Rubstov on this team?

Not just in terms of scouting these specific players. This is going to cast a cloud over every Russian prospect for some time. Because honestly, if Russian hockey authorities were doping their entire U-18 team, what makes you think they weren't doing the same to the U-17s, U-16s, etc?

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Not just in terms of scouting these specific players. This is going to cast a cloud over every Russian prospect for some time. Because honestly, if Russian hockey authorities were doping their entire U-18 team, what makes you think they weren't doing the same to the U-17s, U-16s, etc?

I'm not sure NHL teams care that much about the doping. I think the fact those particular players won't be seen at arguably one of the biggest tournaments of the entire year for scouts is the major issue.

[polak]

Don't be a dope and just let everyone dope.

That would be dope.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

It is a legitimate heart medicine in Eastern Europe. It hasn't been cleared for use by the FDA or in Canada.

I am not sure if there is a legitimate medical reason for a team of teenagers to be using it other than benefiting from performance enhancements.

There isn't. It's main benefit of increasing cardiac contractility thereby increasing cardiac output. Essentially, makes your heart pump more efficiently. The only approved medical use in any country is congestive heart failure. The number of elite athletes with heart failure by definition is zero

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

I'm not sure NHL teams care that much about the doping. I think the fact those particular players won't be seen at arguably one of the biggest tournaments of the entire year for scouts is the major issue.

They will if they think the players' performances are drug enhanced. You suddenly don't know if the player you're looking at can do the job without drugs.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

They will if they think the players' performances are drug enhanced. You suddenly don't know if the player you're looking at can do the job without drugs.

Seriously? I kind of doubt that reasoning even enters their minds let alone affects the stock of prospects.

[Resolute 14]

Yes, FDW, seriously. If you don't think that doping will improve your performance, then why are you doping? If you don't think separating an athlete from a performance enhancing drug will reduce their performance, then more power to you. But I think it would be just another reason to give teams pause when considering a Russian prospect.

[Street Pharmacist]

I think it's murky. The slight increase in cardiac output doesn't put the puck in the net. Maybe at the end of the game when you're tired, but I don't imagine it's hugely significant. All my educated guess mind you, no proof of that

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Just to be clear, is it technically a legal drug to take, but just banned from international competitions as a performance enhancer?

Technically, the vast majority of steroids and PEDs have/had therapeutic uses for muscle wasting diseases, hormone replacement therapy, etc.

The fact that they are incredibly effective in those applications is what makes them great performance enhancers.

[Locke]

Oh those wacky Russians.

Sneaky, sneaky!

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

As a noob, I don't know what Meldonium is. Steroid or masking agent?

I'm pretty sure it is what Captain America's shield is made of. No, Wolverine's skeleton. No, Wonder Woman's bracelets. No, what they were looking for in Avatar.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

I think it's murky. The slight increase in cardiac output doesn't put the puck in the net. Maybe at the end of the game when you're tired, but I don't imagine it's hugely significant. All my educated guess mind you, no proof of that

The difference between any athlete is always going to minimal but it's the minimal that separates the star from the plumber.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by afc wimbledon

The difference between any athlete is always going to minimal but it's the minimal that separates the star from the plumber.

I disagree here though. The difference between Patrick Kane and Bouma is more than a very slight endurance boost.

[nik-]

Someone is definitely getting a poison tipped umbrella in the leg over this.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by nik-

Someone is definitely getting a poison tipped umbrella in the leg over this.

That's Hungary, in Russia your fine until a garbage truck slowly drives by.

[sureLoss]

News Update

Slava Malamud @SlavaMalamud
It's all confirmed now. Russia to be represented by U17s. Overwhelming majority of U18 team failed Meldonium test. Statement still pending

[Oil Stain]

Surprising how many athletes were caught unaware by the ban that came down in January.

I wonder if any notice was given or if the drug was just added to the list overnight.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Oil Stain

Surprising how many athletes were caught unaware by the ban that came down in January.

I wonder if any notice was given or if the drug was just added to the list overnight.

It was added in September to take effect on January

[Itse]

In any case, I predict a new string of sudden heart attacks and accidents for soon-to-be former leaders of Russian hockey operations.

[Barnes]

Poloniumski brand vodka for all the leaders of Russian hockey.