The Windsor Spitfires will have to do without forward Jake Smith for a while.
The overage forward has been suspended eight games after found to be in violation of the Canadian Hockey League's Anti-Doping Policy.
In a statement released by the team, Smith inadvertently took a banned substance leading to his first violation of the policy.
"While attempting to recover from an upper respiratory tract infection, Jake purchased an over-the-counter cold and sinus medication which contained an ingredient that is restricted by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list," says Joey Garland, Spitfires Athletic Therapist. "Even though he took the recommended dosage, Jake's sample slightly exceeded the acceptable limit for pseudoephedrine set forth by WADA and administered on behalf of the CHL by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES). Jake was unaware that the medicine contained pseudoephedrine and was merely trying to get healthy.”
The Spitfires will be without Smith beginning Sunday when the Flint Firebirds face-off against the Spits in Windsor at the WFCU Centre. The game against the Firebirds is 'Mickey Renaud Night' with $5 per ticket being donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario to honour the late Spitfires captain.
Smith is eligible to suit up again for the Spitfires on March 8 when the Spits will be taking on the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds.