University of Saskatchewan offensive lineman Jordan Arkko has received a two-year suspension from the Canadian Center for Ethics in Sports.

On Sept. 17 the CCES announced Arkko’s suspension, meaning he won’t be able to participate in any Canadian Interuniversity Sports until June 2016.

During the team wide drug test in March, Arkko’s urine sample tested positive for GHRP-2 — a type of human growth hormone used to elevate the levels of testosterone in the body.

“The [U of S] football team is disappointed that a member of our team choose to violate the Canadian anti-doping program,” CBC reported head coach Brian Towriss saying in a press conference. “Jordan is an outstanding young man and he made a poor choice.”

Arkko, an Edmonton native, was named the Canada West rookie of the year in 2011. However, this spring he was suspended from the team and did not dress for any team activities this season. The length of his suspension means he will not be able to suit up for the remainder of his CIS eligibility.

Huskies athletic director Basil Hughton also commented on the matter at the press conference.

“As signatories of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, Huskie Athletics and the University of Saskatchewan is disappointed that a student-athlete has violated the CADP terms and their code of conduct with the university and the CIS by using a banned substance,” he said. “The [U of S] is unequivocally opposed to the use of any banned substance, performance enhancing drugs or any other illegal substance. We are dedicated to educating Huskie athletes on anti-doping regulations.”

This was the second suspension handed down by the CCES in the past month after former University of Manitoba Bisons linebacker Ranji Attwal was given a four-year ban after testing positive for an anabolic steroid.

This is the 23rd suspension handed down by the CCES since 2009, after imposing only 17 bans from 2000 to 2008. The rigorous screening has a direct correlation to the increasing problem of performance enhancing drug use in the CIS.

Arkko had started on the offensive line for his first three years of his CIS career and this year was going to be counted on to be a leader on the Dogs offence. Losing a veteran member of the offensive line is a big loss, but so far the Huskies haven’t missed a beat without him.

The offensive line now features fifth year leader Matt Leung, fifth year center Brad Nehring, rookie Ryan Breadner, fourth year Mat Czerniak and second year tackle Evan Johnson. 

Their rushing attack ranks second in the Canada West and their passing attack sits in third place. They also have a 2–1 record and are tied for second place in the conference.