Thank you for the welcome!
Hockey is a sport you can make a living playing in the minors, granted it's a far cry from the NHL though. Guys typically give it a run in North America for a number of years before heading over to Europe, and there is big money to be made in Europe, especially the top leagues. Pay is tax free, housing and vehicle accommodations are provided, so you're only cost really is groceries. The top leagues in Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Finland can pay very handsomely, sometimes north of 100k Euro. Since it's tax free and accommodations/vehicle is covered, it's easy to see how some players can make a great living. Eventually the ride ends, along with the high salary, and unfortunately not every player prepares themselves for that.
As for PEDs in hockey, I can honestly say I don't know anyone who has ever taken any. It's so difficult, and quite frankly a gamble, because there are constant random drug tests. A player would be crazy to jeopardize his career and taint his reputation using any form of enhancement drugs.