Report: Bob Hartley facing 4-year doping ban

According to a report from Alvis Kalnins of Hockey Buzz, former Calgary Flames and current Avangard Omsk head coach Bob Hartley may be facing a 4-year doping ban from the KHL.

The report suggests that Hartley allegedly helped a player avoid a drug test, presumably for PEDs. Both Hartley and the Avangard organizations have adamantly denied the accusations. Hartley allegedly interfered with RUSADA's attempt to perform on an unknown player. It is unclear how Hartley would have done so,  but RUSADA will investigate and if found guilty, the penalties assessed could be harsh.

This could interfere with the IIHF upcoming championship as Hartley is with Team Latvia as they prepare themselves for the tournament. If there is a ban, Hartley would lose his coaching job with Team Latvia and Avangard would be terminated.

The assertion that Hartley and a team doctor would halt a test is a blatant lie, Avangard said in a statement regarding the allegations.