Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 games after violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. The ruling follows a failed random drug test and mandates a referral for evaluation and potential treatment. Ekblad expressed remorse in a statement, acknowledging his mistake of taking unapproved substances to aid recovery from injuries. This suspension will affect his availability through the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs, as the Panthers aim for a strong postseason run after previously winning the Stanley Cup.
"As the NHL announced, I have been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. The news that I had failed a random drug test was a shock."
"I have let my teammates down, the Panthers organization and our great fans down. For that, I am truly sorry. I have accepted responsibility for my mistake."
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