WADA working with NHL to increase drug testing; disappointed by status quo

TORONTO - The World Anti-Doping Agency is disappointed the National Hockey League doesn't do more drug testing of its players.

WADA president John Fahey said Monday that talks continue with the league to try to widen the window of time during which players can be tested.

Currently the NHL allows players to be tested up to three times a season but none of those tests can occur in the playoffs or during the summer.

Fahey said the limitation is disappointing, but WADA is making some progress in talks with the league.

"A wonderful game and a wonderful sport," he said during a conference call following WADA's board meeting over the weekend in Montreal. "We'd love to see it code-compliant. Rest assured we will continue to work at the NHL level to achieve that outcome. And we're making some progress there in the discussions."

Former WADA chair Dick Pound has been harshly critical of the NHL's approach to doping, alleging in the past that as many as 30 per cent of hockey players are using performance-enhancing substances.