Finnish Hockey Player Miro Aaltonen Admits to Using Banned Substance, Takes a Break from Hockey

Finnish hockey forward Miro Aaltonen has admitted to using a banned substance after failing a doping test on December 18. As a result, he has been handed a one-month suspension from the sport.

Aaltonen, who had been playing for Swiss club Kloten this season, is no longer listed on their roster. Prior to this suspension, Aaltonen had been performing exceptionally well, contributing 35 points (20 goals, 15 assists) in 36 games for Kloten.

The doping violation occurred after a match against Lugano, when Aaltonen tested positive for a prohibited substance. Several weeks later, he received a one-month ban and was fined 1,000 Swiss francs (approximately 1,060 euros).

In a statement, Aaltonen explained the situation: “During the December international break, I visited a nightclub and likely consumed a substance recreationally. It does not enhance performance, but it is prohibited in sports.”

According to the anti-doping agency, if a player violates the rules by using banned substances outside of competition and without the intent to improve performance, a more lenient penalty can be applied under the doping law. Since Aaltonen is also undergoing a rehabilitation program at his own expense, his suspension has been reduced to one month.

Aaltonen had been a standout player in the current season, leading Kloten with his impressive points tally. He is set to join SC Bern for the next two seasons.

Aaltonen also enjoyed a significant achievement in 2022, when he helped Team Finland win gold at the Beijing Winter Olympics.