Blackhawks Prospects
Blackhawks Minor-League Goaltender Suspended 20 Games By AHL
Chicago Blackhawks 22-year-old goaltender prospect Stanislav Berezhnoy was one of two players to receive a 20-game suspension from the American Hockey League on Tuesday morning.
Berezhnoy, who’s playing in his first season in North America with the Rockford IceHogs, received the suspension for violating the terms of the AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substance Program. Coachella Valley Firebirds forward David Goyette was also given a 20-game suspension for the same purpose. It’s unknown which substance either player took.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson issued a statement shortly after Berezhnoy’s suspension was announced. He said that Berezhnoy did not intentionally take the substance, but he offers full accountability for the situation.
“We were informed last week that Stanislav tested positive for a prohibited substance under the AHL/PHPA’s Performance Enhancing Substance Program,” Davidson’s statement read. “While Stanislav did not knowingly take a prohibited substance, we believe his positive test is a result of a supplement he was consuming at the time.”
“Stanislav has taken full responsibility for the situation, and the organization praises him for the maturity and accountability he has shown. The Blackhawks organization fully supports Stanislav and knows he will use this as an opportunity to grow as he continues his development.”
Berezhnoy, who signed with the Blackhawks as an undrafted free agent this past summer, has already served one game of his suspension. He’ll be eligible to return for Rockford on Apr. 11.
While serving as the IceHogs’ No. 2 netminder this season, Berezhnoy has amassed a 5-9-1 record with a 3.18 goals-against average and .888 save percentage in his first 15 career AHL appearances. The 6-foot-4 goaltender has been the backup for former second-round pick Drew Commesso, who’s in his third year as the team’s starter.
With Berezhnoy out for nearly two months, the IceHogs will rely on Owen Flores, a 21-year-old Antioch, Illinois native, who’s playing his first year of professional hockey, as Commesso’s new backup. Flores spent the past three seasons playing junior hockey with the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL. He signed a one-year, AHL contract with the IceHogs back in July.
In 19 ECHL games for the Indy Fuel this season, Flores has a 9-6-4 record, a 2.76 goals-against average, a .892 save percentage, and three shutouts in 19 games. In his first three career AHL appearances with Rockford, he’s 1-1-1 with a 2.63 goals-against average and .902 save percentage.
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