Matěj Chalupa Returns to Professional Hockey Amidst Ongoing Doping Case

(UPDATED) A positive doping test last April derailed Matěj Chalupa’s hockey career. Now, after nearly a year fighting to clear his name, the 27-year-old forward has returned to professional play, suiting up for SC Marimex Kolín in the Maxa Liga playoffs. Though, the case remains unresolved.

Chalupa saw action in games 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the playoff series, registering one assist. In the second game, which went to overtime, he logged over 20 minutes of ice time.

The situation surrounding Chalupa’s eligibility is complex. Aleš Kmoníček, manager of Mountfield Hradec Králové, initially stated to fans on the club’s website that Chalupa “won” his legal battle because the positive test stemmed from a contaminated substance, leading to the rescission of his two-year ban. He later clarified his statement, saying Chalupa was “successful in court proceedings, so for now, the penalty has a suspensory effect, which is why he was able to play.”

Martin Čížek, director of the Czech Antidoping Committee, confirmed this nuanced situation to Hokej.cz. According to Čížek, Chalupa received a two-year ban from the National Arbitration Court for Sport, which he subsequently appealed.

“Matěj Chalupa requested a stay of execution, and it was granted,” Čížek stated.

“It’s not automatic that an appeal has a suspensory effect. The appeal process is still ongoing. Matěj Chalupa therefore requested a stay of execution, and it was granted. That’s why he played for Kolín; the appellate court hasn’t ruled on anything yet,” Čížek explained, adding that Chalupa’s legal team argued his contract with the club would expire soon.

The positive test for sibutramine, a banned substance, occurred after the third semifinal playoff game against Pardubice last season. Chalupa immediately issued a statement denying any intentional use of the substance.

“Throughout my sporting career, I have respected the rules of fair play. As a professional athlete, I regularly undergo anti-doping controls, always with negative results. That is why the news of a positive doping test shocked me,” Chalupa said in his official statement.

This marked the beginning of a lengthy battle to restore Chalupa’s reputation.

The left-handed forward previously played intermittently for Mountfield Hradec Králové last season. Chalupa’s career path has included stints with Letňany, Plzeň, Hradec Králové, and even a contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. After returning from North America, he briefly played for Litvínov and Karlovy Vary.

Matěj Chalupa, který měl v loňském play off pozitivní dopingový test, naskočil v semifinále @maxaligacz za Kolín.

Podle vyjádření Aleše Kmoníčka na webu @MountfieldHK prokázal Chlalupa, že se jednalo o kontaminovaný prostředek, díky čemuž může znovu hrát.

— Jiří Vítek (@JVitek94) March 29, 2026

The situation highlights the complexities of doping cases and the potential for contaminated supplements to trigger positive tests. Whereas Chalupa is currently eligible to play pending the outcome of his appeal, the final resolution of the case remains uncertain.

For now, Chalupa is focused on contributing to Kolín’s playoff run. His return provides a boost to the team’s offensive depth, and his experience will be valuable as they navigate the remainder of the Maxa Liga postseason. However, the shadow of the doping allegation continues to loom, and the hockey world awaits the final decision in this case.

The next step in Chalupa’s legal battle will be the decision from the appellate court. The timing of that decision is currently unknown, but it will ultimately determine whether Chalupa can continue his career without restriction. Kolín will continue their playoff series, with updates available on the Maxa Liga website.