Wheat Kings Forward Matt Henry Suspended Eight Games for Drug Violation

League suspends wheat kings forward eight games

The Western Hockey League has announced an eight-game suspension to Brandon Wheat Kings forward Matt Henry.

Although not divulging the exact cause of concern, the league made it clear that the 19-year-old had been banned as a result of a failed drug test. All players are subject to random drug tests, which test for blood doping and the use of banned substances or performance enhancing drugs.

The WHL did not specify why Henry was suspended, other than it being his first violation for using a prohibited substance. The league did maintain both the player and the team in question cooperated fully during the investigation.

“The Brandon Wheat Kings and the WHL take the issue of performance-enhancing drugs very seriously,” the club shared. “We believe in maintaining a level playing field for all athletes and in fostering a culture of healthy, fair competition.

“Matt has expressed his regret over the situation and has agreed to participate in counseling to address this issue. The Brandon Wheat Kings fully support Matt in his journey to understanding and overcoming this challenge. We are committed to his health and well-being and will be with him every step of the way.”

Henry, a fourth-line player from Saskatchewan, is well-built in nature, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing in at a stout 210 pounds. Whether or not his positive test came from trace amounts of a substance or an overwhelming amount, it is clear that the Wheat Kings do believe in rehabilitation and will work with Henry through the process.

The Wheat Kings are currently down 0-2 in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Quarterfinal playoff round with the Moose Jaw Warriors. The series shifts to Brandon for games 3 and 4 on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Both get underway at 7:00 PM from Westoba Place.