DEGGENDORF (Germany) 4 April 2026. — Australia’s under-18 men’s national ice hockey squad – the Mighty Jacks – is reeling after a team management-initiated Easter weekend shambolic drug-testing spot check at its European training camp.
One player who refused to be tested has already self-reported as “medically unfit” and will not continue with the team. His withdrawal has forced coaches Andrin Christen and Sami Mantere to scramble in their search for a replacement.
The team’s first game in the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Div II Group B world championships in Belgrade is less than 36 hours away (against hosts Serbia).
Ice Hockey Australia’s (IHA) vice-president Veronica Ryan said today the organisation is “properly reviewing the situation, leaning on professional advice and ensuring the welfare and support of all players”.
The unplanned drug-testing arose, according to several parents who asked that their sons’ names not be divulged, after suspected illegal drug use by some of the players at the German training camp in Bavaria alarmed teammates, who then reported their concerns to team officials.
It is understood team manager Jillian Murphy and Chef de Mission Deon Shearer (an IHA director and mother of two Mighty Jacks players) obtained self-administered drug testing kits from a local Deggendorf pharmacy where the team has been based for the past five days. The kits cost $10-$25 (AUD) each and screen urine or saliva for multiple substances including THC (cannabis), cocaine, ecstasy/MDMA and opiates, among other substances.
However parents I spoke to are concerned about the legality of the testing, and the potential impacts any positive test results would have on their children, including those aspiring to make a career of their sport.
“We have briefed the team and entire Australian support network of our young players to remain focused on their excellent preparation, support each other in their goal for game successes, and have open lines of communication,” Ms Ryan, who is based in Melbourne, said today.
National sporting organisations (NSOs) are obliged to report failed drug tests to Sport Integrity Australia – even when self-initiated such as those in Germany – as well as follow anti-doping policy procedures which can include provisional suspensions, and other forms of disciplinary action.
Drug testing results can be affected by timing and metabolism, and are not 100% accurate, and while NSOs can conduct their own drug tests on junior players, there are legal and formal requirements which must be met when dealing with players aged under 18, including parental consent (i.e. notifying a parent or guardian) and having a support person present.
It is not clear whether either of these requirements was met.
“The health and welfare of all of our players and sporting community remains our highest priority,” Ms Ryan said.
IHA’s alcohol and drug policy was introduced in 2025, expressly prohibiting drug use or possession, including the improper use of drugs and medicines. Violations can lead to disciplinary action. But of more concern now for the organisation’s leadership team is the backlash from parents whose young sons might find themselves being identified on social media and unfairly – and worse, inaccurately – labelled ‘drug cheats’.
As one team official with the Mighty Jacks now on their way now to Serbia said: “The plan is to keep the boys focused on the matters at hand and what they can control: playing hockey, winning games, having fun within the rules – it’s all about the hockey.”
Sandi Logan 