Orange County Register, Anaheim, California
Written by: Peter Croslen

Days before the pre-season is set to begin for the SHL and SMJHL, drama has swept through team front offices as well as both league home offices.  The start of the 51st season has officially been delayed as doping allegations have hit.  According to various internal sources, it was discovered that members of an SHL organization had began taking performance-enhancing drugs in advance of the latest season.  When asked for comment, Commissioner Jasper "Eggy" Clayton only provided the following:  

Quote:"Its unfortunate that a team would try to move to this sort of option that, based on independent test results, would give them a clear edge in the upcoming season over their oppositions.  As a result of these findings, we're pushing back the start of the SHL and SMJHL seasons in order to incorporate updated drug testing policies and have all teams re-test as soon as possible.  So far all of the additional teams have been very cooperative so hopefully the delay will be brief."

The front office of the offending team could not be reached for additional comment.

In other hockey news, here in Anaheim a new partnership between the owners of the Saloon and local doughnut shops in the area will prevail a new "Nut Night" in the upcoming season that will feature gourmet doughnuts from local doughnut shops to the first 5000 paid fans.  Participating shops include M&M Donuts, D's Donuts & La Donuts with more to be announced.  The promotion date has yet to be determined, however sources from the Outlaws point to a date in December to coincide with the holiday season.  I'm not sure about any of you, but I can sure enjoy a good fresh donut from time to time.

As always, the Register will try to bring you the most up-to-date SHL news as it happens.