Kieffer Bellows Violated AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program

Kieffer Bellows violated the AHL/PHPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, the AHL announced Friday afternoon.

The announcement did not say when the violation occurred or what substances were used by Bellows that triggered the violation. Bellows had already been disciplined for the issue and there are no further limitations or restrictions that would keep him from playing, the AHL press release stated.

It’s unclear if this had any role in the New York Islanders decision to keep him off their return to play roster in July.

“In response to the American Hockey League announcement regarding Kieffer Bellows, we will let their statement speak for itself and have no further comment,” Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said in a statement.

A Bridgeport Sound Tigers spokesperson said that they did not have any additional comments.

Kieffer Bellows appeared in eight games with the Islanders this season and scored two goals and recorded an assist in that span. In 52 AHL games with Bridgeport, Bellows recorded 22 goals and nine assists for 31 points.

Bellows was part of the Islanders summer training camp in July, but was left off the final roster that went to Toronto to compete for the Stanley Cup.

The 22-year-old was drafted by the Islanders 19th overall at the 2016 NHL Draft.