Notes

Guy Hebert, goaltender for Team USA and the Mighty Ducks, and Anaheim Coach Pierre Page on Friday voiced differing opinions about the ongoing controversy over the alleged abuse of Sudafed by NHL players. Hebert disagreed with a recent Sports Illustrated article that claimed as many as 20% of NHL players use it to get a boost before games. But Page agreed wholeheartedly with the story.

The drug is banned by the IOC and there has been concern that NHL players will test positive for it in Nagano.

“I can honestly tell you I don’t see guys popping Sudafeds,” Hebert said. “The only time I take it is when I have the flu. It’s abnormal to see them in the dressing room.”

Recent experience tells Page to expect the worst in Nagano.

“I coached in 1994-95 with Team Canada in the world championships and because of the [lockout] that year we had only minor league guys and the majority of the players failed the first test we gave them,” Page said.

“So, we had to wait two or three days until it cleared the system before we tried it again. It’s definitely a problem if I’m telling you just about every minor league player was taking them. I don’t know who takes them. I just know a lot of players do.”

Hebert and Page agree that removing Sudafed from the medical supplies of NHL teams is the best way to avoid troubles in the Olympics. The league and the players’ association have worked hard to get the word out to the players and trainers, both said.