The Western Hockey League has suspended Brandon Wheat Kings forward Matt Henry for eight games for violating the Canadian Hockey League’s drug education and anti-doping policy.

The suspension was for a first violation of using a prohibited substance, the league said Friday in a release.

The Wheat Kings said in a statement Friday the team learned earlier in the week Henry had tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

He has agreed to participate in counselling to address the issue, the team’s statement said.

The Wheat Kings support Henry and in “his journey to understanding and overcoming this challenge,” the team said.

He’ll begin serving his suspension immediately, according to the WHL.

The Wheat Kings finished sixth in the Eastern Conference standings this season. Henry had one assist and 100 penalty minutes in 37 games.

They were scheduled to open a first-round playoff series against the Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday night.