Breaking: Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt suspended 20 games for violating drug program

Vegas Golden Knights' Nate Schmidt was suspended 20 games for violating terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. The Golden Knights released a statement about Schmidt’s suspension, strongly disagreeing with the NHL’s decision.

While we respect the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program and are committed to its success, we strongly disagree with the suspension. We firmly believe that the presence of a trace of the banned substance was accidental and unintentional.

The 27-year-old defenseman says he accidentally took the substance, and feels the trace amounts of the substance found in his system didn't give him any performance enhancement last season.

Schmidt tallied 36 points in 76 games for the Golden Knights, playing a critical role in Vegas' surprise run to the Stanley Cup Final. Schmidt can participate in training camp, but is banned from playing in preseason games, and 20 regular season games.

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