Entire Russian U-18 team replaced due to positive drug tests

[Yakushev72]

Meldonium works until late in any game vs. Finland evidently...

I have not noticed Canadian and Finnish players needing assistance to the bench, at all. But your comment was pretty cute I'll admit. In the history of sports there have been steroids, HGH, raising the mount of home runs a baseball player could hit in a single season by more than 40%, oh, and there's this one drug meldonium, that sometimes gives some Russians slightly better stamina, unless the team on the other side is wearing white and blue of course.

If you check out the Wikipedia article on Meldonium, it says that including Meldonium on the WADA list after being widely used in Eastern Europe for over 40 years without being included, was very controversial. It also said that is very unclear as to what physiological advantage it might give to athletes in competition.

Russian athletes have been caught doping much too often (although they are among many nationalities actively violating the protocols), and that has to be stopped. But the fact that this over the counter drug, widely used by the public since the early 1970's, was suddenly included on the WADA list in January, after a year of sanctions against Russians, makes Russians very suspicious that this is Dick Pound and WADA going to extremes to get his "pound of flesh" against Russia.

 

[Siberian]

In all seriousness now the maker of this drug claims that it may save athlete from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which can cause a sudden death in a young seemingly healthy athlete. This condition kill tens if not hundreds young athletes around the world. On the list of dead athletes there are such known figures as A. Cherepanov, M. Renaud, S. Zholtok, M-V. Foe (soccer), R. Lewis (NBA), T. Herrion (NFL), D. Nash (NFL), J. Collier (NBA). If there is a true support that this drug may prevent this condition, or prevent death from this condition then WADA is criminal by making this drug illegal. However, it sounds as there is simply not enough study done on it.

 

[Macman]

If you check out the Wikipedia article on Meldonium, it says that including Meldonium on the WADA list after being widely used in Eastern Europe for over 40 years without being included, was very controversial. It also said that is very unclear as to what physiological advantage it might give to athletes in competition.

Russian athletes have been caught doping much too often (although they are among many nationalities actively violating the protocols), and that has to be stopped. But the fact that this over the counter drug, widely used by the public since the early 1970's, was suddenly included on the WADA list in January, after a year of sanctions against Russians, makes Russians very suspicious that this is Dick Pound and WADA going to extremes to get his "pound of flesh" against Russia.

It didn't appear suddenly on the WADA ban list on Jan. 1. It was on the WADA watch list in 2015 and countries are notified of a full ban by Oct. 1st of the previous year. The suggestion that this was suddenly sprung on Russian athletes is misleading.

 

[kabidjan18]

If you check out the Wikipedia article on Meldonium, it says that including Meldonium on the WADA list after being widely used in Eastern Europe for over 40 years without being included, was very controversial. It also said that is very unclear as to what physiological advantage it might give to athletes in competition.

Russian athletes have been caught doping much too often (although they are among many nationalities actively violating the protocols), and that has to be stopped. But the fact that this over the counter drug, widely used by the public since the early 1970's, was suddenly included on the WADA list in January, after a year of sanctions against Russians, makes Russians very suspicious that this is Dick Pound and WADA going to extremes to get his "pound of flesh" against Russia.

Yeah, this is been what I was saying. Sorry if I didn't catch your sarcasm in the other comment.

 

[Siberian]

This is really a clash of two cultures, Russian and Anglo-Saxon in sports. Russia was forcing their athletes use a drug they believe helps against a deadly condition. WADA, run by Dick Pound decided to ban this drug with no real knowledge of the drug simply because they believed it gives some edge to Russian and Eastern European athletes. As we can see right now, WADA is completely clueless about this meldonium, worst thing is nobody really knows how long it takes for a body to get rid of it. However, the thing is, there seem to be no known side affect of this drug and my understanding is that is one of the prerequisites for WADA to ban the drug. In any case I support my opinion: this was a politically motivated decision rushed by WADA, more studies needed to be done before simply banning it.

 

[Kshahdoo]

In all seriousness now the maker of this drug claims that it may save athlete from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which can cause a sudden death in a young seemingly healthy athlete. This condition kill tens if not hundreds young athletes around the world. On the list of dead athletes there are such known figures as A. Cherepanov, M. Renaud, S. Zholtok, M-V. Foe (soccer), R. Lewis (NBA), T. Herrion (NFL), D. Nash (NFL), J. Collier (NBA). If there is a true support that this drug may prevent this condition, or prevent death from this condition then WADA is criminal by making this drug illegal. However, it sounds as there is simply not enough study done on it.

Just imagine, if some young Russian athlete dies from heart problems, and his parents will blame WADA and sue the organization for making meldonium illegal...

 

[Alberta tough]

Definitely two sides to this story, truth likely somewhere in the middle. Feel bad that the kids are caught up in this.
This Slava Malamud character sure seems to have an agenda.

 

[kabidjan18]

Definitely two sides to this story, truth likely somewhere in the middle. Feel bad that the kids are caught up in this.
This Slava Malamud character sure seems to have an agenda.

Yes! I noticed this too. The amount of Russophobia he has instigated circulating on western social media concerning this topic is completely unjustifiable.

 

[93LEAFS]

No, it was for pseudoefedrine that came as a result of him overdosing/misdosing his allergy medicine.

That is the main ingredient in most Sudafed formula's. Sudafed is just the brand name, like advil is ibuprofen.

 

[Riddum]

The Russian PED program is the best in the world.

 

[Zine]

Definitely two sides to this story, truth likely somewhere in the middle. Feel bad that the kids are caught up in this.
This Slava Malamud character sure seems to have an agenda.

Yes! I noticed this too. The amount of Russophobia he has instigated circulating on western social media concerning this topic is completely unjustifiable.

A lot of these kid's draft stock will fall because of Slava Malamud. If someone as respected as Bob McKenzie is re-tweeting his agenda driven sensationalism you gotta think GM's will probably be wary of drafting these players instead of objectively analyzing the situation.

Malamud is a POS.

 

[Jussi]

http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCAKCN0X52I1

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia have replaced their men's under-18 ice hockey squad with the under-17s for this month's world championships amid concerns the players could test positive for meldonium, the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) said on Friday.

The RIHF announced in a statement that players at the national training camp took meldonium under an official program but stopped in the autumn when it was announced the drug would be placed on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) banned list from January 1 2016.

"The Russian Ice Hockey Federation has made the decision, in conjunction with the Sports Ministry to change the roster of the U-18 side in order to protect their rights," the Russian ice hockey governing body said.

 

[Namejs]

Not only are they better, this squad will still have several 18 years olds on it, like Sergachev and a couple of other CHLers.

Once again, it seems like we're not on the same page with both you and kabidjan. I was referring to the Russian U17 team which played together a few months ago. Initially there were reports that the Russian hockey federation was going to send the whole U17 team as a unit to the World Champs. No North American players. No 18 year olds. Just a bunch of Russian-based 16 and 17-year-olds.

Those reports were just rumours and they turned out to be wrong.

The actual Russian U18 team is going to have a lot more talent on their roster when compared to the Latvian line-up and they're almost certainly not going to get relegated.

 

[kabidjan18]

Once again, it seems like we're not on the same page with both you and kabidjan. I was referring to the Russian U17 team which played together a few months ago. Initially there were reports that the Russian hockey federation was going to send the whole U17 team as a unit to the World Champs. No North American players. No 18 year olds. Just a bunch of Russian-based 16 and 17-year-olds.

Those reports were just rumours and they turned out to be wrong.

The actual Russian U18 team is going to have a lot more talent on their roster when compared to the Latvian line-up and they're almost certainly not going to get relegated.

Lol that's not what I meant. I was definitely including Maximov. Regardless I think Jussi's article is about right. If the EP roster is right there will be 4 98' players and the rest will be 99'.
http://www.eliteprospects.com/team.php?year0=&team=1650

 

[Namejs]

Lol that's not what I meant. I was definitely including Maximov. Regardless I think Jussi's article is about right. If the EP roster is right there will be 4 98' players and the rest will be 99'.
http://www.eliteprospects.com/team.php?year0=&team=1650

No, that's what *I* meant.

Here's the team I referred to: http://www.eliteprospects.com/team.php?team=6027

 

[kabidjan18]

No, that's what *I* meant.

Here's the team I referred to: http://www.eliteprospects.com/team.php?team=6027

Nah nah bro, that's what *I* meant. That's why I was saying like "an assortment of NA based players" and you were like "there are no NA players" and I was like "but for a tournament like this there will be." You can go read up. I didn't think they'd have the 4 guys from 98', thought it would just be Maximov since he's the only 99' in the CHL. Evidently one of the 98' guys is a NAHL guy *scratches head* I think that'll be a first for Russia.

 

[WarriorofTime]

This should 100 % not be illegal. It's a joke.

 

[WarriorofTime]

The next time an athlete dies of cardiac arrest and it could have been prevented by this drug, the blood is on WADA's hands.

 

[MardyBum]

To be fair, if you've read through this thread, supposedly millions of Russian citizens also use meldonium for good cardiovascular health.

Taking a 5 second gander at cardiovascular disease rates by country, its clearly not working.

 

[Macman]

Taking a 5 second gander at cardiovascular disease rates by country, its clearly not working.

Wow, you're right. The highest cardiac death rates in the world are in countries where this is mostly sold. I bet they don't use that in their ads.

 

[Siberian]

Wow, you're right. The highest cardiac death rates in the world are in countries where this is mostly sold. I bet they don't use that in their ads.

It is true, however the roots of it lie in the 1990's when the changes implemented with the help of Western advisers led to an absolute poverty of majority or Russians. In its turn it led to record low life expectancy due to malnutrition, drug and alcohol abuse, collapse of medical system. In the recent decade Russia made great improvement in that end however it's still nowhere near where it should be. I do not think meldonium has anything to do with it.

 

[Zine]

I dont remember malnutrition being too bad of a problem. But i agree....when soviet union collapsed a boatload of garbage foods were introduced, the medical system collapsed and drug and alcohol usage skyrocketed to astounding levels. Its no wonder why so many people had heart problems.
It should come as no surprise that a lot of eastern europeans (athletes and non-athletes alike) started taking maldonium like it was a vitamin. I mean doctors were prescribing it for any and every type of heart issue.

 

[mouser]

I'm kinda confused if this is such a wonder drug to protect atheletes why only the U18 team was using it and not the U17 team?

 

[Siberian]

I dont remember malnutrition being too bad of a problem. But i agree....when soviet union collapsed a boatload of garbage foods were introduced, the medical system collapsed and drug and alcohol usage skyrocketed to astounding levels. Its no wonder why so many people had heart problems.
It should come as no surprise that a lot of eastern europeans (athletes and non-athletes alike) started taking maldonium like it was a vitamin. I mean doctors were prescribing it for any and every type of heart issue.

Good quality fruit, veggies, good meats were unaffordable. Bread and macaroni with some nozhki busha were main type of food during the toughest years.

 

[kabidjan18]

It is true, however the roots of it lie in the 1990's when the changes implemented with the help of Western advisers led to an absolute poverty of majority or Russians. In its turn it led to record low life expectancy due to malnutrition, drug and alcohol abuse, collapse of medical system. In the recent decade Russia made great improvement in that end however it's still nowhere near where it should be. I do not think meldonium has anything to do with it.

Oh gosh, please don't make this an east/west thing. Germany has an excellent heart disease death rate, and Japan has the third best in the world, not to mention both have had thriving economies for a while. They got very heavy doses of western advisers...

I'm kinda confused if this is such a wonder drug to protect atheletes why only the U18 team was using it and not the U17 team?

I'm also confused on this. European reports say kids are fed this since 14 years old. Now, people throw fits when they hear that but in america kids take protein after lifting (proven to be bad for one's health) since middle school too but I don't see many people throwing fits about that.