LETHBRIDGE – Toronto Marlies forward Brad Ross has earned a 20 game suspension after failing a drug test.
The 22 year old Lethbridge native was suspended for violating the terms of the AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. The American Hockey League did not clarify what drug caused the positive test.
Ross is a former second round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs although he has yet to play an NHL game. He is the second player in the Maple Leafs system to receive a 20 game drug ban this season, following the suspension of former Lethbridge Hurricane Carter Ashton in November.
In a statement on the Professional Hockey Players’ Association website Ross said:
“I truly want to apologize to the entire Toronto Maple Leafs organization, my teammates, friends, family, and fans for violating the terms of the AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. I should have been fully mindful of anything entering my body, and I understand the consequences for what has occurred. However, I did not, at any time, intentionally attempt to enhance my performance. All I can do now is learn from this and help educate other players to avoid making the same mistake I made. I look forward to putting this behind me and getting back to playing the game I love.”
Ross is eligible to return to action March 8.
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