Kordic’s Death Might Be Linked to Steroid Use, Drug Expert Says

The death of an NHL veteran might have been related to anabolic steroid use, a Montreal doctor said Monday.

Preliminary autopsy results indicate that John Kordic, 27, died of heart failure and an accumulation of fluid in his lungs, officials reported. The findings are consistent with steroid use, said Dr. Christiane Ayotte, a steroid expert at the International Olympic Committee-accredited drug laboratory in Montreal.

Kordic, a tough forward released in January by the Quebec Nordiques, died en route to a hospital after being subdued by police in his suburban Quebec City motel Saturday night. Steroids and about 40 unused syringes were found in the room. Needle marks were found on Kordic’s arm during Sunday’s autopsy. Police were called after motel employees complained of abusive behavior and loud disturbances in Kordic’s room. They found an agitated Kordic pounding on the walls. It took nine officers to overpower him.

In the aftermath of the death, Gil Stein, NHL president, said the league will address steroid use among its players, but league-wide testing probably would not be instituted.

“I don’t know how widespread a problem steroids is in the NHL,” Stein said. “From what I gather, it’s not that widespread. But even if it’s a minor problem, it should be dealt with.”