Sheffield Steelers’ forward Anthony DeLuca ‘tests positive for banned substance’

The Sheffield Steelers' forward will sit out this weekend - and presumably a lot longer - at a time when the club is without several injured players.

DeLuca has "tested positive for a banned substance and is currently suspended with immediate effect," said a Steelers spokesman.

The EIHL team was advised about the test result at 5.30pm on Friday.

The club described the test as an "anti-doping" measure. There is no evidence to suggest traces of any performance-enhancing drugs were found.

DeLuca's future at the club is now in jeopardy.

In October, the Canadian was suspended for two games after a rash moment when he kicked a Guildford Flames goalie.

That pales into insignificance, now though.

The timing of the ban is a massive blow for Sheffield, who have been playing without four injured forwards.

They will be short-handed tonight, in the match against Nottingham Panthers.

The club declined to give any more detail on DeLuca's situation.

But unless the alleged drug involved is considered minor, within normal society thinking, he could have played his last game for the club.