Oiler Fuhr Used Cocaine 7 Years

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Grant Fuhr used cocaine for about seven years, but says has been drug free since spending two weeks in a substance-abuse center last summer, according to a published report.

The Edmonton Journal reported in a copyrighted story today that Fuhr at first had lied to Oilers General Manager Glen Sather, who had confronted him several times about possible substance abuse, because “it’s not something you tell your boss.”

The newspaper said Sather confirmed that Fuhr, 28, was treated for cocaine abuse at the Straight Center in St. Petersburg, Fla., and that he tested positive in a private test that his former agent, Rich Winter, pressed him to take.

Fuhr said he expected to be suspended for his admissions. Sather said he had already contacted National Hockey League President John Ziegler.

Ziegler, in a statement this morning, said the league had begun an investigation after receiving information indicating that Fuhr “had admitted using an illegal drug.”

A hearing was set for Sept. 26 in Toronto, site of the NHL Board of Governors’ meeting.