Backstrom fails doping test in Sochi
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http://wtop.com/1173/3568794/Backstrom-fails-doping-test-in-Sochi

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Sweden's Backstrom fails doping test in Sochi
Sunday - 2/23/2014, 12:19pm ET
LARRY LAGE
AP Hockey Writer

SOCHI, Russia (AP) -- Sweden center Nicklas Backstrom failed a doping test for a substance found in an allergy medication and was withdrawn from Sunday's hockey final at the Sochi Olympics.

Backstrom, who plays for the Washington Capitals in the NHL, was scratched just before the game began and had to watch Sweden's 3-0 loss to Canada on TV.

"I was very sad and obviously ... I felt bad for the guys, lots of guys were in the locker room when they called me out," he said.

Sweden coach Par Marts was critical of the IOC's timing, saying Backstrom was tested in connection with the team's 5-0 win over Slovenia last Wednesday, but he was only told 20 minutes before the final that his center couldn't play.

"I think it sucks," Marts said. "It's like kindergarten."

Asked about Merts criticism of the doping process, IOC spokesman Mark Adams said, "We will not comment on any potential process until it has concluded."

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly issued a statement saying the substance Backstrom tested positive for was not on the league's list of banned substances.

"It is our ... understanding that the positive test was the result of a common allergy medication taken by the player knowingly, with the approval of the team doctor and without the intention of gaining an illegal or improper performance-enhancing benefit," Daly said. "Subject to confirmation of the facts as we understand them, and given the fact that the substance is neither prohibited in the NHL nor was used in an improper manner here, we do not anticipate there being any consequences relative to Nicklas' eligibility to participate in games for the Washington Capitals."

Backstrom was listed in the team lineups distributed before the game, and forward Daniel Alfredsson said the team was told he wouldn't play just before it started.

"It's too bad he couldn't play," Sweden winger Carl Hagelin said. "We lost a really good player."

Swedish Olympic Committee spokesman Bjorn Folin said the banned substance was in an allergy medication that Backstrom has taken for the past seven years.

Backstrom is the sixth athlete to fail a doping test at the games. Five of the six, including Backstrom, tested positive for minor stimulants that are often found in food supplements.

Several of Backstrom's teammates declined to comment on his positive test, with Hagelin saying only that he thinks "it's a bit strange."

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AP Sports Writer Stephen Wilson and Associated Press writers Karl Ritter in Sochi and Malin Rising in Stockholm contributed to this report.

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Follow Larry Lage on Twitter: http://twitter.com/larrylage


Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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I really hope the NHL starts testing for this kind of abuse. We can't have athletes in major sports doping with over the counter medication. If he is is going to dope he needs to do it the old-fashioned way with designer steroids and blood doping.

I wasn't aware that Team Sweden or the Capitals played in Northern VA. Practice...yes. Games...no.

Also...who is Nick "Backstorm"?

NHLers have been taking Sudafed for decades now...

Caps.Jihadist Wrote:
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> I wasn't aware that Team Sweden or the Capitals
> played in Northern VA. Practice...yes.
> Games...no.
>
> Also...who is Nick "Backstorm"?


Backstorm is originated from Sweden. He plays ice-hockey for the Captilas of Washington, DC.

Ice-hockey, also known as frozen soccer, is a game played wearing ice skates. The purpose of the game is score the most goals. Goals occur when a puck crosses Tge net. A puck is recycled rubber from a tire.

I hope this answers you're questions?

NHL fan caps let's go go caps Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps.Jihadist Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I wasn't aware that Team Sweden or the Capitals
> > played in Northern VA. Practice...yes.
> > Games...no.
> >
> > Also...who is Nick "Backstorm"?
>
>
> Backstorm is originated from Sweden. He plays
> ice-hockey for the Captilas of Washington, DC.
>
> Ice-hockey, also known as frozen soccer, is a game
> played wearing ice skates. The purpose of the game
> is score the most goals. Goals occur when a puck
> crosses Tge net. A puck is recycled rubber from a
> tire.
>
> I hope this answers you're questions?

No, it does not answer my questions. I know who Nick Backstrom is...I do NOT know who Nick "BACKSTORM" is.

Nick's "migraine headache" turned out to be this. I have to laugh, because when they reported that yesterday as the initial cause of his sitting out an Olympic game, I couldn't help but think dope of some sort.

Gotta love this sport, going to a fight and watching a hockey game break out.

> NHLers have been taking Sudafed for decades now...

That's doping and that's illegal. Playing under the effects of a drug is just wrong.