Cape Breton University's 2014-15 male athlete of the year has been suspended from playing soccer for 18 months for a doping infraction during a competition last October.

The banned or "specified" substance ephedrine was found in a urine sample from Justin Maheu, said the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport in a statement.

Ephredrine is an ingredient in some nasal sprays, but is also sold as a stimulant, or marketed as a fat burner or muscle builder.

It is widely available online.

Maheu, who is from Ottawa, is banned from participating "in any capacity with any sport signatory to the Canadian anti-doping program, including training with teammates," said the CCES.

CCES said Maheu admitted the doping violation when he learned the outcome of the October test.

The period of ineligibility for a first doping offence is normally two years; the CCES has not said why Maheu's suspension is shorter.

Calls to CBU's soccer coach and the director of athletics have not yet been returned.